Why we need you
Moderating is a very satisfying and convenient way to make a direct contribution to the charity and to people affected by autism. You will be directly involved in supporting a lively and fascinating peer-to-peer community. You will be part of a team of like-minded people (moderators) who, with the Community Manager, maintain and develop the Community.
What you will be doing
You will moderate the user generated content on the National Autistic Society (NAS) Online Community. You will ensure that users adhere to the Community’s rules, creating a safe space which protects the interests of the users and of the NAS.
Tasks will include:
- Ensuring the community is used appropriately
- Assisting users having difficulty using the community
- Protecting users by keeping an eye out for irrelevant or controversial information (this may include inappropriate medical advice, inappropriate advice on strategies to use; every autistic individual is different and what may work for one individual may not work for another)
- Protecting users by looking out for advertising, promotion of products and unapproved research requests
- Looking out for inaccurate postings about the NAS
- Intervening only where absolutely necessary, mainly by referring to others; by signposting where appropriate for relevant information; and, occasionally, by editing or removing posts or
- Sending handover notes to other moderators
- Alerting line manager to anything concerning that is posted on the community
Skills qualities and experience needed
- a positive attitude
- a commitment to/enthusiasm for information provision
- good communication skills
- a good standard of English
- good comprehension skills
- sensitivity to individuals’ needs and confidentiality
- be a confident internet user
- able to keep track of your progress and manage your time
- good administration skills
- ability to accurately record information
- general IT skills
- able to use own initiative when volunteering
- an interest in autism
- ability to represent the NAS’s values whilst volunteering
When and where
- the role is home-based
- we like volunteers to give one regular 2-3 hour shift each week on your allocated day (currently seeking Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays)
- we like volunteers to commit to the role for a minimum of one year, this helps us to provide a consistent service to those who use our online community
- you will need access to a computer/tablet, and a good internet connection
Support
- online autism awareness training and other e-learning courses
- online volunteer induction
- ongoing support with your line manager
What you could get out of it
- ongoing support
- feeling valued
- using talents and experience to help others
- learning new skills with training provided
- making a real difference by helping others
- having the satisfaction of seeing results
- helping the National Autistic Society to maintain its much valued Online Community
- We seek applications from anyone interested in the role, but particularly welcome applications from those on the autism spectrum.
- If you have any questions about this role or the application process please contact volunteers@nas.org.uk