COLCHESTER TOY LIBRARY

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

Colchester Toy Library lends a range of toys to all families. We promote play and learning for children especially in the early years through providing a good variety of quality toys including educational toys. We also have specialist equipment for children with sensory needs, learning difficulties, autism and physical disabilities. We support disadvantaged families who may not always be able to afford new toys for their children or who may just need a supportive space to come to.

We hold regular stay and play afternoons for families with children with special needs. These offer a safe and fun space so that parents can meet others and chat. We also aim to make the environment as supportive and welcoming as possible for volunteers with additional needs so that people who may find it hard to access volunteering in the community have an equal opportunity to get involved. In addition, we aim to promote environmental awareness through providing an opportunity for re-use and sharing of toys as an alternative to buying new toys that can often end up being thrown away.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This role would involve checking toys in and out on the new computer system, answering the telephone, sorting and cleaning toys and interacting with the public and other volunteers. We are also still setting up the computer system which would involve adding toys to the online catalogue. There may be some adults volunteering with us who have additional needs so the role may involve supporting these volunteers too. We have recently relocated to a new building so the role will also involve helping us to establish ourselves in our new premises.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Interacting with the public – Contributing to providing a friendly and welcoming environment for the families who use our service.
  2. Administrative duties – Fulfilling basic administrative tasks such as keeping written records, signing up new members and checking toys in and out.
  3. Organisational tasks – Checking, sorting and cataloguing toys.
  4. Following Policies and procedures – Being aware of the organisations policies and procedures regarding health and safety and data protection etc.
  5. Regular communication with other volunteers – Communicating with other volunteers to ensure you are working as part of a team and to give any suggestions or ideas that you might have.
  6. Act in a professional manner – Being aware about the implications of the position and the importance of acting in a professional manner especially as you will be working around children.

TRAINING PROVIDED

·  Volunteer’s induction

  • Training on how to use the computer system and perform other administrative duties.

DURATION AND AVAILABILITY

We can offer two placements of 8 weeks duration.

Placement 1: Tuesday 10-3pm

Placement 2: Wednesday 10-3pm

Alternatively, the hours could be split between a Tuesday and a Wednesday.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

Essential / Desirable
Good written and verbal communication skills / x
Good Organisation Skills / x
Works well in a team / x
Enjoys working with children / x
Responsible and reliable / x
Basic IT skills / x

PLACEMENT SKILLS

Skills/experience developed / Brief explanation
Confidence / Through working with the general public and other volunteers to make decisions and develop new and existing skills.
Organizational skills / Through carrying out general organizational duties in the library.
Teamwork skills / Through working as part of a team of volunteers to deliver a service to the public.
Relationship-building skills / Through working closely with our regular volunteers and our members
Knowledge of how a charitable organization works. / Through working as part of a team to help reestablish the charity in its new premises and helping us to meet our aims and objectives.