The Storybarn is a creative, interactive environment in which children can feel thoroughly alive and creative in the company of quality literature.
With Shared Reading at the heart of all that they do, they believe that books offer children a way to understand the world in which they live and the worlds inside themselves. The Reader exists to provide book-routes into this inner space, and to develop shared understandings of both it, and the outer world. Training will be provided with space for creative adaptation of delivery for applicants to really make the role their own.
This role could be for you if you:
– Passionately believe in the value of reading
– Are flexible, enthusiastic and positive
– Are incredible outgoing and confident working with children and families
– Are compassionate and creative
– Are able to work every weekend (6.5hrs) with the opportunity to work additional hours if you would like
Person Specification:
Essential Criteria:
– A genuine willingness to work as part of a lively team to help the Storybarn project evolve and develop in the most exciting and positive ways
– Able to adapt and change delivery in response to audience, unsupervised and self-motivated including the flexibility to work weekends on a rota basis
– Committed to providing excellent customer service
– Experience of working/volunteering with children
– Excellent at reading aloud
– Confident in dealing with the sometimes challenging behaviours of children
– A flexible, playful and caring approach to working with children
– Self-motivated with the ability to work unsupervised
– Able to engage with parents, carers and teachers in a relaxed, open and non-judgmental manner
– Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
– Excellent timekeeping skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure
– Proficient in the use of MS office and willing to learn other IT systems and software as we look to further develop our virtual offer (E.g. Zoom)
Desirable Criteria:
– Personal knowledge of the need for Shared Reading
– A background in children’s books/ performing arts/music
– A current driving license and access to a vehicle
– Excellent knowledge of children’s literature
If you’re inspired by their mission, are looking for a new challenge and want to work for a forward-thinking organisation at a really interesting time, they’d love to hear from you. To learn more about The Reader, the role and what is required, please visit https://www.thereader.org.uk/job/storyhunter/
Closing date: 10 April