About the role: Welcome Volunteers provide patients, families and visitors with a warm welcome to Austin Health, offering support in navigating the hospital, answering questions, and providing companionship during waiting times.

Patient impact: The Welcome Program has grown out of the success of our existing Guide Program. Austin Health Guides are well known for their ability to help patients and visitors feel welcome and more at ease during their experience in the hospital. Increasing the number and the responsiveness of our Welcome Volunteers will allow this program to make an even greater difference.

Skills and qualities required:

• Friendly, warm and supportive
• Respectful and caring attitude
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Customer service skills
• Willingness and ability to solve problems and be flexible
• Cooperative and able to work well in a team

Availability and commitment:

• The program operates 8.30am-4pm, Monday to Friday only
• Volunteers are needed for regularly weekly shifts of 3 to 4 hours (negotiable)
• Commitment of at least 6 months (negotiable)
• We are flexible if you need to take breaks for periods of time – please discuss your availability with us. Interviews and Induction training will take place from February – March 2020. Volunteers will begin in April.

Current locations are:

• Austin Hospital, 145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg
• Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital, 300 Waterdale Road, Heidelberg

Training:

• Volunteers will be required to attend 3 Induction training sessions from 9.30am - 3.30pm during March 2020
• Volunteers will be required to attend a half-day tour/training session each month (for first 6 months) on location in different hospital departments Professional Development opportunities on specific topics are offered throughout each year (e.g. Wheelchair Training)

Requirements: Appointment to a Volunteer role at Austin Health is subject to satisfactory Police and referee checks. Standing and walking are involved in this role

Diversity and Inclusion: We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures, bodies and abilities.