Purpose The role of the Shelter Volunteer is to accompany our guests at this stage of their lives. The most important aspect of our role is fidelity to the task. To ensure that our guests know that we will be here to support them until they find more suitable, longer-term accommodation.

Shelter Volunteers are rostered for two shifts - early evening or overnight. Their role is to supervise our guests throughout the process of signing into the shelter, offer them the opportunity to shower and prepare a meal; and help them settle in for the night. In the morning Shelter Volunteers assist the guests to prepare to leave the shelter.

Supervision Shelter Volunteer workers are to report directly to the committee member on call. The committee member on call will be the contact person for that night to ensure all workers have arrived and are made aware of any information relevant for their shift. The committee member can offer guidance, answer any procedural questions and assist the Shelter Volunteer to understand role responsibilities.

Shelter Volunteers are also supported by the Volunteer Manager. The Volunteer Manager oversees the induction, training and rostering of Shelter Volunteers. Any enquiries or information about your volunteering role with Safe Shelter (including availability changes) or the general running of the Shelter can be directed to the Volunteer Manager.

Volunteer duties and responsibilities

In your role as a Volunteer your tasks will include (but not be limited to): Shelter Volunteers -Early Evening Shift

• Welcome pre-approved guests to the shelter whose names are to be written in the Guest Register.

• Conduct mandatory searching of all bags and packages. Guests must empty pockets of all contents.

• Assist guests with sign-in and give bed number.

• Remind guests to have a meal, shower and use the laundry facilities.

• Remind guests that the kitchen closes for the preparation of meals at 8pm.

• Check shared and personal living spaces of guests to ensure that they are kept tidy.

• Perform spot checks for banned substances inside shelter rooms and yards.

• Take time to engage guests socially.

• Encourage guests to settle in for the night taking advantage of the television.

• Before the end of each shift ensure that the common areas (including the kitchen) are clean and tidy.

Shelter Volunteers -Overnight Shift:

• Take time to engage with guests socially.

• Encourage guests to settle for the evening.

• Ensure that guests sleep in their allocated beds.

• In the morning ensure that all guests are up by 7:30am and off the premises by 8am.

• Ensure that guests sign out.

• Before the end of each shift, ensure that the common areas (including the kitchen) are clean and tidy.

• Secure Shelter by locking all doors. 

Skills required (or desirable) for role

We are looking for a volunteer with the following attributes to fill this volunteer role:

• Good communication and interpersonal skills

• Organisation skills

• Able to work as part of a team

• Administrative / Reporting skills

• Willingness to follow and enforce house rules, policies and procedures

• Supervision/management skills (desirable)

• Previous volunteering experience (desirable)

• Resourcefulness

• Empathy

• Flexibility

Background checks for role

Safe Waters Community Care Inc. is very serious about its duty to provide all workers and guests with a safe and healthy working environment. We are committed to recruiting dedicated volunteers who have the desire to work with people who are experiencing homelessness and treat them with dignity and compassion.

For this reason, should you be interested in this role, we will need to collect the following information prior to you commencing in the role (see checked items below). You will only have to provide this information following the Induction Training should you decide that to proceed with your Volunteer Application. If required, we will help you apply for a Working with Children Check.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0457 740 951. Please note that we handle all personal information in accordance with privacy laws.

Benefits:

• Paying it forward

• Career and Skill building

• Connection and community

• Building friendships

• You’ll feel great

• haring skills and expertise

• Having fun

• Meet new people