Online Photography Activity Group - Chat Monitor (South Lanarkshire Branch)

National Autistic Society
VO104056

The Online Activity Group- Chat Monitor role is vital to the smooth running of the group as it will enable participants to contribute via the chat facility when they cannot, or choose not to, contribute verbally during the session. Good chat box management (monitoring and sharing chat messages and watching for and responding to raised hands to ensure fair opportunity for contributions) helps ensure the session is inclusive and runs smoothly.

What you will be doing
Attend the group activity session online once a month to support an autism friendly photography session, provide a friendly face to those coming along and make sure everyone can engage in the activity in a safe, respectful manner.
Admit attendees to the online photography group activity.
Help confirm chat rules / etiquette at the start of meetings (respect/ confidentiality/ turn taking/ non-judgemental/ etc)
Monitor the chat box for questions and comments throughout the online session.
Flag up questions, comments and responses to the Online Activity Group Leader during online sessions.
Encouraging the use of the chat ‘raised hand’ function to support fair and orderly contributions from all.
Encourage participants to use emoji or reactions to show agreement or understanding without interrupting others speaking during the session.
Supporting all participants involvement in the way they feel most comfortable.
Supporting group compliance with NAS policies including risk assessment, data protection and safeguarding.

Experience required

Familiar with online meetings and how the chat facility within them works
Good organisational skills
Patience, empathy and warmth and be able to maintain confidentiality.
Knowledge and experience of autism
Able to communicate confidently with group participants, other volunteers and Committee Members
Able to tackle difficult situations sensitively and involve the Online Activity Group Leader or Branch Chair where necessary.
Access to a computer with internet access
Confident using Outlook, Word and Microsoft Teams