ARCVic is a specialist, state-wide, community organisation, providing support, recovery, early intervention and educational services to people and families living with anxiety disorders. Education, training and consultation services are provided to primary care and mental health professionals and agencies. ARCVic is a charitable, non-profit organisation, funded by the Department of Health and Human Services Victoria, and supported by membership, donations and sponsorships.

The Helpline Volunteer role includes assisting callers to understand and manage their symptoms of anxiety disorders and depression by facilitating discussion of self-management skills and their steps towards recovery, identifying problems and barriers to recovery and ways of more effectively dealing with the impact of their disorder on family and relationships. The role also includes providing appropriate and accurate information about anxiety disorders and evidence-based treatments and other effective interventions, and guidance regarding professional, community and health services. The Helpline Volunteer will be expected to respond to all callers in a professional manner and to uphold the ethical requirements of this position.

The qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience listed below represent the preferred requirements for this position. Individuals may apply even if they do not have experience or qualifications in these areas, if they can demonstrate a clear understanding of the requirements, some relevant knowledge and experience, and a strong willingness and commitment to develop the required skills and knowledge.

• Telephone support skills or support skills, and experience, highly preferred.
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including clear voice quality and articulate speech. • Ability and experience in relating to a diverse range of groups and individuals. • Personal experience of anxiety disorders as a person living with an anxiety disorder, a family member, carer or support person. • Relevant tertiary qualifications in psychology, social work, welfare, psychiatric or community nursing, and/or relevant employment or voluntary experience in mental health/psychiatric support work or related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge through personal experience, educational studies, employment or voluntary work of mental health conditions and issues, especially anxiety and related disorders and evidence-based treatments. • Knowledge of self-help and support strategies that may assist people with anxiety disorders and carers.
• Understanding of the mental health and primary care systems and how they operate in Victoria. • Knowledge and understanding of relevant ethical and professional standards related to telephone support and crisis intervention. • Familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel, and ability to collect and collate statistics. • Willingness to work as part of a team, and under supervision. • Personal qualities of reliability, sensitivity and personal awareness. • Commitment to the mission, aims and philosophy of ARCVic. • Due to COVID-19, we are currently operating remotely from home. While we are working from home you will need your own working laptop/computer, a headset with a microphone and a reliable internet connection.

You will then be asked to attend 1 of the following information sessions:

• Wednesday 4th May at 1 pm-2 pm
• Thursday 5th May at 10 am-11 am
• Friday 6th May 7 pm-8 pm

Where: Via Zoom, links to be provided

Register your interest by emailing Megan: MDebono@arcvic.org.au