**You will make a difference by:

• Providing high quality support to IPC Health clients and the Social Prescribing Program team during the Steps to Reconnect sessions.
• Promoting and supporting engagement with participants in small groups (max 5) to build rapport between participants and social connections.
• Exploring options for activities with participants.
• Facilitating preferred community based social connection activities.
• Introducing participants to local community organisations and activities that engage their interests.
• Liaising with Social Prescribing team to discuss barriers in participation, ideas and upcoming opportunities for the groups, concerns regarding clients, capacity to involve more clients as restrictions ease and any concerns or ideas regarding their role.

To succeed, you will need:

• Availability to commit to one session per fortnight Wednesdays or Thursdays for approx 1-2 hours.
• Ability to interact in a positive manner with clients and staff of IPC Health
• Willingness to work autonomously to support and coordinate social group sessions
• Friendly and adaptable communication skills including active listening skills
• Familiarity with local area and community activities in Brimbank and/or Wyndham
• Well developed ability to speak, read and write in English
• Patience and flexibility
• Willingness to undergo national police check organised and paid for by IPC Health and a current working with children check
• Evidence of flu and covid vaccinations
• Access to internet and transport

Tasks will include:

• Meet with a small group of participants (max. 5) at a designated location and scheduled day/time once a fortnight for approx. 1-2 hours
• Facilitate conversations in group, moderating the chats, ensuring that conversations are respectful and inclusive of all members
• Plan activities with participants such as coffee and chat or gentle walk session
• Work autonomously to organise group meetings, coordinating time, location, route (if it is a walking group) and encouraging participation
• Work in pairs occasionally to support inexperienced fellow volunteers
• Ensure all participants are safe eg crossing roads if on a walk and setting a pace that all participants are comfortable with.