Volunteer Trainer

From AFSWiki

AFS-USA Volunteer Position Description

Volunteer Trainer

The AFS USA Regional Volunteer Trainer works closely with the Regional Training and Organizational Development Specialist to deliver quality, learner-centered and performance based training to volunteers at the local, Team and Regional level using standard AFS-USA training modules and materials.

Responsible to: Regional Training and Organizational Development Specialist

Time Required: Available to facilitate between 4-6 training events scheduled within the U.S., mainly in their region each year. Training events vary in length from half a day to weekend trainings that generally can run for one and a half to two full days.

Competencies Required:

• Ability to facilitate participant centered training defined as training that engages participants fully in their own learning and incorporates their expectations and past experience, recognizes change and conflict as part of the learning process, allows participants to identify their own learning and ensures a mutual learning experience for both trainer and trainee.
• Ability to process group dynamics and intervene to facilitate learning.
• Ability to use a wide range of training techniques such as ice-breakers, role plays, lectures, brainstorming, case studies, simulations, small group work, etc. to keep training varied and interesting.
• Ability to listen effectively and keep group discussions on track and productive.
• Ability to evaluate the outcomes of training to measure the extent to which the participants improve their knowledge, skills and abilities.

Training: Four day Train the Trainer Workshop and follow up individualized coaching and support from AFS USA Training Specialists or equivalent experience.

Relationships: The primary working relationship is with the Regional Training and Organizational Development Specialist, who will provide ongoing training, guidance, and support. Additional relationships include Regional Director, Regional Field and Support Staff and Team and Chapter leaders.

Responsibilities (or tasks):

• Participate as an active member of a Regional Training Committee led by the Regional Training and Organizational Development Specialist.
• Attend initial four day Train the Trainer event as well as follow up Train the Trainers events offered by AFS-USA.
• Attend meetings (generally by conference call) with other volunteer trainers and staff to discuss and learn about new training materials as they are developed and offered by AFS-USA.
• Assist Regional staff to identify specific volunteer training needs within their region and to develop plans for addressing these needs.
• Volunteer to lead between 4-6 trainings requested by local volunteers groups, Teams or the Regional staff.
• Partner with Regional Training and Organizational Development Specialists to develop and/or implement regional level volunteer training several times each year.

Benefits to Volunteer:

• Acquire and strengthen stand-up training and facilitation skills.
• Opportunity to work with a team of highly motivated staff and volunteer to design creative and interactive learning materials.
• Satisfaction of working with volunteers throughout one’s region engaged in a wide variety of programmatic activities, to increase their personal skills and improve the quality of the AFS program.