Library Outreach Assistant Job at Volunteer LA in Los Angeles

Braille Institute of America, Inc. (Los Angeles Center)

Braille Institute is committed to eliminating blindness and severe sight loss as barriers to a fulfilling life.

Library Outreach Assistant

Volunteer in Braille Institute’s unique library sorting the book collection, shelving, and preparing audio book cartridges to be mailed to blind and visually impaired library patrons.

What To Expect:

• Greet and assist students/library patrons as needed
• Assist with various clerical duties (e.g., contact patrons via telephone, basic check-ins, which may include checking on lapsed or inactive library user accounts for deletion)
• Participate in outreach email campaigns, assisting with drafting emails, letters, and marketing teases aimed at various constituents, organizations, and stakeholders (depending on experience)
• Perform other duties as assigned. Duties or tasks may change
• Assist Library Outreach Manager as needed

What’s Required:

• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, internet searching, and willingness to learn library database
• Bilingual, Spanish/English a plus

Beginning Sewing Instructor (Assistant)

Passionate and experienced sewing instructor for Winter 2025 term at Braille Institute. Instructor to deliver engaging and informative sewing classes to sewists of all levels.

What to Expect:

• Deliver engaging and informative sewing classes to sewists of all levels
• Teach a range of sewing techniques
• Guide students through lessons

What’s Required:

• Energetic and excited about teaching sewing
• Interest in working with/learning about the vision loss community
• Comfortable working with students of different ages and skill levels
• Strong soft skills including friendly communication
• Excellent attendance and ability to be on time

Access Technology Support/Greeter

Braille Institute needs volunteers to help create a welcoming experience for blind and visually impaired students seeking assistive technology.

What to Expect:

• Prepare classroom for students
• Upkeep equipment (e.g., clean, store, and assure proper functioning of devices)
• Greet and assist students as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned. Duties or tasks may change

What’s Required:

• Availability for 2-3 hours per week (or more) any day(s) during Monday through Friday (Wednesdays preferred) between 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Experience with problem-solving in how technology can support individual needs
• Ability to demonstrate Assistive Technology tools (e.g., screen readers, optical character recognition, and magnifiers)
• Familiarity with Windows, Mac OS X, iOS, and Android platforms

Student Concierge

Volunteer as a Student Concierge to support students at Braille Institute’s Connection Pointe in Los Angeles.

What to Expect:

• Contact individuals to set up appointments for tech support using booking software (training provided)
• Conduct surveys to assess student need
• Build and maintain relationships with students
• Provide administrative assistance within the department as needed

What’s Required:

• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Professional phone etiquette
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft 365
• Available at least 1 day (M-Fri)

Karate Class Assistant

Help a student embrace the challenge of sight loss and live well in Karate classes, designed to help blind and visually impaired students develop agility, strength, and speed, improving muscle tone and endurance.

What to Expect:

• Assist students in executing exercises performed by instructor
• Communicate issues or concerns with instructor as needed
• Set up mats for class
• Clean and store mats

What’s Required:

• No Karate experience needed
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs
• Availability on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Art Classroom Assistant

Assist blind and visually impaired students create projects in one of our popular art classes: Basketry, Ceramics, Mosaic, Print Making, or Paper Mache. Classes meet once a week for two hours. No experience working with visually impaired is necessary. Training will be provided.

What to Expect:

• Assist students in art methodology and projects performed by instructor
• Maintain a safe and professional environment

What’s Required:

• Availability weekdays 10:00AM – 12:00PM OR Wednesdays 1:00-3:00PM
• Sensitivity to students’ individual variables
• Bilingual, Spanish/English (desired but not required)

Exercise/Sensory Awareness Classroom Assistant

Help a student embrace the challenge of sight loss and live well in Sensory Awareness and Exercise classes.

What to Expect:

• Assist students in executing exercises performed by instructor
• Maintain a safe and professional environment

What’s Required:

• Availability Mondays 10:00AM – 12:00PM OR Wednesdays 1:00-2:00PM
• Sensitivity to students’ individual variables
• Bilingual, Spanish/English (desired but not required)

Volunteer Greeters

Volunteer Greeters at Braille Institute welcome and assist visitors in a friendly and professional manner.

What to Expect:

• Assist visitors as needed
• Answer general questions about programs and services
• Assist with simple tasks in the cafeteria in the mornings and at lunch

What’s Required:

• No experience with the blind and vision community is necessary
• Available at least 2-3 hours per week

Braille Challenge is a national braille reading and writing competition for students in first through twelfth grades in the United States and Canada. The program encourages and rewards braille literacy.

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