What will you be doing as a volunteer?

Volunteering at the front of desk you will be the first point of contact to anyone that visits the hub.

You will be greeting visitors and talking to them about what the library and community hub has to offer. Assisting with any enquiries both face-face and over the telephone, providing information and sign-posting them to the relevant services where possible if required.

Your role will involve general reception duties, such as:

• Greeting anyone that comes into the centre and directing them to their appointment or relevant area.
• Answering the phone and assisting the customer with their queries.
• Helping customers with printing and photocopying services.
• Show members how to log on to our computers using their membership details and using the self-service machine for returning and issuing books.
• Supporting customers with basic IT tasks, e.g. assisting with filling out forms online, setting up an email address, showing them how to conduct an internet search etc.
• Occasionally making a brew for some of our older patrons that come in to pass some time.
• Some admin duties as a when needed.
• Keeping our notice boards tidy and up to date by removing any out-of-date leaflets or information.

Keeping the centre and meeting rooms tidy and presentable.

About you/Skills required:

This is a customer-facing role, and you will be the first point of contact for customers, so a good level of English, effective verbal communication skills and confidence when speaking to people are essential for this position. Customer service experience would be an advantage.

• You will be friendly, well-mannered, approachable and helpful to anyone using the library/Community hub.
• Enjoy being around & helping people of all age groups.
• Good organisational skills. Confident with problem-solving and using your initiative.
• Good literacy & numeracy skills.
• Good IT skills are required for this role; you will be required to assist customers with the photocopier, self-service machine and assisting with basic IT enquiries.
• Can follow directions and can cope with the duties and responsibilities of this role.
• It is important that you are reliable and punctual and can commit to your agreed shift times. Report any absence as soon as possible to the relevant member of staff.
• It is important you are committed to the equality & diversity of the community - be non-judgmental and welcome all who come through our doors, treating people fairly and respectfully at all times.
• Have an interest in working within the community.
• Enjoy working in a team and are willing to support other activities that may be going on in the hub led by Manchester Libraries or The Place at Platt Lane during your shift.
• The shifts are 3 hours long and you will be on your feet for the duration as the desk is a standing desk.
• We ask that you commit to a minimum of 3 months to the volunteering role.

You must be aged 18 or over, due to staff limitations unfortunately we cannot take on young people.

Benefits for you:

• Our Community hub would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, if you are interested in contributing to your local community, making a difference in people’s lives and wish to gain new skills, meet new people or improve your confidence please get in touch.
• You will receive a full induction and guidance & support from experienced staff.
• Be part of a friendly and supportive team and have fun whilst gaining experience of working with the community.
• Meet new people and get involved with the community.
• Mandatory training such as GDPR, Safeguarding and manual handling. You will gain free access to our online academy with a library of CPD courses for your own professional development or personal interests.
• A reference for future employment - Subject to at least 3 months of satisfactory volunteering.

Travel expenses – A Day Rider bus pass is provided to those using public transport. Mileage covered at 45p per mile, up to 11 miles per session.

(We ask that anyone applying for the position lives within a reasonable distance to Fallowfield due to funding limitations.)

Please note: Due to the high volume of applications, we cannot promise to contact everyone. If you are contacted, you will be asked to complete our application form & provide character references.