Title: Volunteer Client Support Worker Terms of Employment:Ongoing Hours:The hours of the position are Monday – Friday from 9am – 5pm You must be able to work at least a 4-hour period on any given day. Reporting to: Manager of the Program Area Location:186 Forster East St, Dandenong, 3175 and 5 Osborne Ave, Springvale, 3171

Position Context The Community Wellbeing (CWB) Team is an integral team at SECL. Based in our Dandenong and Springvale offices, the CWB team is responsible for initial assessment and providing integrated support to people accessing our service.

Volunteer client support workers are crucial in assisting the CWB team to achieve better social and economic outcomes for people in our community. As a volunteer client support worker, your role will be to engage in initial assessments, consult with your supervisor and provide appropriate advocacy, support, information, and referral.

The CWB team is seeking volunteer client support workers who can work collaboratively in a non-judgmental manner, are empathetic and solution-focused, can manage change well, and are professional in their approach. A good understanding of Australian systems and services and an understanding of the root causes of disadvantage is important.

The volunteer client support worker role is an invaluable addition to SECL’s team. While the skills and experiences of volunteers enhance the work SECL does, there are also many benefits we offer to our volunteers. Including: personal development, working in in a direct service role that has a meaningful impact, job satisfaction, being a valued member of SECL’s community, social connection, training to enhance and learn new skills and a strong supervision model to develop professionally.

Key Selection Criteria Successful applicants will be required to complete the accredited Community Support Worker Course (CHCCCS004 – Assess Co-existing Needs) or have Recognised Prior Learning in an equivalent course. The CHCCCS004 course occurs one day pw over 6 weeks and is at no cost to the volunteer.

Demonstrated ability to embrace diversity and to treat every person with dignity, compassion, and respect regardless of socio-economic status, ability, age, gender, race, religion, or sexuality.

Clear and succinct communication skills with the ability to adapt your communication to the requirements of our diverse community.

A commitment to advocacy and empowering people to make independent and informed choices.

Willing to build knowledge and imbed contemporary practice, policy and procedure into your work.

Ability to write accurate and succinct case notes and competent computer and Microsoft office skills.

Previous volunteer or work experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

Contribute to maintaining a welcoming and supportive environment for all staff, students, volunteers, and our community.

Committed to engaging in supervision and professional development and to developing relevant skills and knowledge.

Able to work in a professional manner, including always maintaining confidentiality, good boundaries punctuality and reliability.

Client Outcomes/Client Services

Respond to people’s enquiries by phone or in person, engage in assessment, provide support and refer people internally and externally to ensure people have access to appropriate and ongoing services.

Maintain accurate client information and succinct case notes in a range of databases, including the SECL Client Management System.

Committed to working openly and collaboratively with your team and seeking consultation and support.

Quality

Participate in SECL ongoing continuous quality improvement, including adherence to SECL Policies and Procedures. Work consistent with SECL’s Bridge Framework and in line with the Code of Ethics, policies, and procedures. Ask questions when unsure or to gain greater understanding.

Safety Screening checks required prior to commencement of employment include:

At least two professional references

Proof of your right to work in Australia

A satisfactory national police record check

A satisfactory international police record check

A valid, employment Working with Children Check for positions engaged to perform child related work

A valid copy of COVID19 vaccination Certificate

Please send you resume and cover letter addressing how you can meet the key selection criteria to Christina Ryan at cryan@secl.org.au