The Calgary John Howard Society (Bedford House Volunteer Literacy Tutor)

• Background/police check required
• Appropriate for volunteers aged between 18 and 55
• Appropriate for volunteers aged 55 and over
• Training or orientation required

The Program- Bedford House’s primary mandate is to ensure the safety, security, and wellbeing of the community at-large while meeting the social and clinical needs of offenders with issues requiring further programming and/or treatment.  The activities carried out are designed to address the social and clinical needs of residents thereby minimizing the risk present if offenders were simply released into the community at the end of their sentence. Bedford House has a total of 22 beds and houses males aged 18+. The house is staffed 24/7 by at least two staff members. Residents staying at Bedford have been referred to CJHS by Correctional Services Canada for transition back into the community. All referrals are screened for suitability and risk management before being accepted. These men are from all walks of life and have committed a wide variety of offences. Successful candidates demonstrate positive motivation, some insight into their criminogenic factors and a willingness to address and change those factors. The Position – The Volunteer Literacy Tutor will work with adults in improving their basic literacy skills, empowering them to work towards a specific learning goal in order to reach their full potential and participate more fully in society. A collaborative approach will be taken to ensure a mutually agreed upon learning plan can be arranged. Learning sessions will be schedule based on learner and Volunteer Literacy Tutor availability and will take place at Bedford House unless an alternate community location is more feasible. Responsibilities * Provide a nurturing environment to set and pursue learning goals. * Nurture persons served self-esteem and self confidence * Teach skills related to goals and objectives. * In collaboration with the program staff and the persons served, develop individualized programs to meet the persons served needs/goals. * In collaboration with the program staff and the persons served, choose materials appropriate to the persons served reading level and goals. * Participate in assessment of the program and assessment of persons served progress. * Develop awareness of internal/external resources to make appropriate referrals for persons served. * Keep accurate records to be submitted for reporting purposes.