Hours: 12.25 hours per week / 0.35 FTE Based: Durham Salary: £22,587.90 This role offers a unique opportunity to merge a passion for literature with a commitment to breaking down barriers for individuals within the criminal justice system. At The Reader, we believe in the transformative power of Shared Reading, a practice where a trained Reader Leader guides a group through the exploration of great literature, fostering deep discussions along the way. At The Reader we call this 'Shared Reading'. Shared Reading is a tool through which human life can be explored safely and - crucially - deeply. As part of our Criminal Justice Team, you'll be trained to lead Shared Reading sessions with individuals navigating the justice system. Your role will involve not only facilitating these sessions but also reaching out to those who may be hesitant to participate. By embedding Shared Reading into these environments, you'll create spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued, enabling individuals to engage in meaningful dialogue and personal exploration through literature. This represents a chance to contribute to a nationwide movement dedicated to providing access to the enriching experience of Shared Reading, particularly for those who may have limited exposure to such opportunities. Ability to effectively lead group activities and handle potentially challenging situations with sensitivity Capacity to work independently and proactively without constant supervision Competency in using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and willingness to learn new IT skills Strong organisational skills with a focus on maintaining accurate records of activities and engagement Understanding of strategies to engage individuals who may initially feel disconnected from the concept of literature-based activities Demonstrable passion for literature, including a wide range of personal reading experiences, especially poetry, and ability to articulate its significance in an engaging manner Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with ability to build relationships and convey ideas Capacity for self-reflection and ability to engage in reflective practice to support emotional well-being Familiarity with the goals and values of The Reader Demonstrable relationship with literature, an eagerness to learn and develop a strong understanding of Shared Reading and how literature can work to improve people's lives, along with the ability to articulate this well Lead weekly Shared Reading sessions in a safe and inclusive environment, engaging residents and fostering discussions on literature Support partner staff in delivering quality Shared Reading sessions, providing feedback and guidance as needed Work closely with setting staff to embed Shared Reading into the culture and routine Manage workload effectively to meet targets, including text selection, preparation, record-keeping, and contributing to project reports Address day-to-day challenges collaboratively, contributing to solutions that enhance delivery and participant engagement Make decisions within project parameters, demonstrating flexibility and alignment with Shared Reading principles Actively participate in personal and professional development activies Please visit https://www.thereader.org.uk/job/reader-in-residence-criminal-justice-2/ to view a full job description and application form. All completed applications and queries should be sent to [email protected]Job Summary
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