Volunteer West is advertising this position on behalf of Gateways Support Services.

Gateways’ mission is to empower and support children and adults with a disability / additional need and their families to maximise their potential; their quality and enjoyment of life; and their positive relationships within the community.

Volunteer ‘Hosts’ provide support and respite care to a family who has a child or young adult with a disability, living at home with them. The host is matched carefully with a particular child and they then support that child in the hosts own home or in the community, on a regular basis, usually once a month.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide quality support to a young person with a disability on a regular basis, under the direction of the Interchange program staff and in consultation with the young person’s primary carers.
• Communicate any areas of concern to the Interchange program staff and ask for advice or support when needed.
• Maintain regular contact with the family and with the Interchange program staff.
• Provide or assist the young person with personal care activities such as toileting, meals, dressing or showering, as needed and identified in the support plan.
• Encourage maximum independence of the young person in everyday living skills without compromising Gateways’ duty of care to the client.
• Encourage participation and inclusion in the community.

We are looking for volunteers who can demonstrate:

• Reliability and commitment to provide regular planned respite care and fulfil duty of care.
• A positive attitude towards people with disabilities.
• The ability to commit to the program for a minimum of 12 months.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Initiative, enthusiasm and flexibility.