Multicultural Care

Multicultural Care is a not-for-profit community-based multicultural organisation funded by the Commonwealth Government to provide services to frail aged people and people with disabilities. Multicultural Care has been meeting the care needs of multicultural communities across the Inner West, Southwest and Southeast Sydney for over two decades.

Position purpose

The Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) is a national program that is funded by the Australian Government. It aims to enrich the quality of life for people who may be experiencing social isolation or loneliness.

The CVS Volunteer Visitor is responsible for providing regular social visits in a one-on-one or group capacity, to residents of aged care facilities or people living in their own homes receiving a Home Care Package, who are isolated or at risk of experiencing isolation.

Duties and responsibilities

• Meet with your paired companion for a minimum of 10 face to face or virtual visits, within a 6-month timeframe
• Undertake activities that meet the needs, preferences and interests of your companion. This may include listening to music, playing cards or board games, reminiscing or simply having a chat
• When visiting with a group, consult with the group on their interests and preferences for activities, and plan and facilitate group interaction and activities accordingly
• Record and submit monthly reports on your visits, including date, time, and activities to the CVS Coordinator
• Engage in weekly phone check-ins for the first four weeks of pairing with the CVS Coordinator, then monthly check-ins.
• Maintain regular communication with Multicultural Care CVS Coordinator to discuss any concerns that may arise
• Record all aged care facility visits using the Visitor Log Book
• Attend orientation and ongoing training as required
• Respect the rights of companions to confidentiality and privacy
• Become familiar, and act in accordance with, Multicultural Care’s Values.
• Participate in program evaluation exercises (surveys, focus groups)

Knowledge, skills and experience

• Ability to show empathy, respect and care
• Ability to volunteer independently
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with people from a variety of backgrounds
• A commitment to visit at least once a week, 20 times in a one-year period
• Willingness to follow guidelines set out by Multicultural Care

Learning and development

Volunteers at Multicultural Care are encouraged to grow and hone their skills. To do this, we offer opportunities for role-specific training to support your development.

As a CVS Volunteer Visitor, you are encouraged to complete the below free training:

• CVS Volunteer Visitor one-on-one training (mandatory in-person training)
• Periodic training days in areas related to your role

Compliance requirements

At Multicultural Care, we understand the importance of ensuring the safety of our staff, volunteers and clients. To do this we follow legislation and compliance best practice which states that all volunteers must read and sign a:

• National Police Check (paid for by Multicultural Care). Note: we do not accept National Police Checks completed through other organisations. All volunteers must complete a new National Police Check every 3 years.
• NDIS Worker Check (NDISWC)
• Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate 3 doses
• Statutory Declaration for anyone who has been a citizen or permanent resident of a country/countries other than Australia since the age of 16.
• Volunteer Code of Conduct
• Volunteer Confidentiality Agreement
• Position description
• Rights and responsibilities

If you are on a VISA, we will need to ensure the conditions of your VISA allow you to volunteer in Australia. To do this, you will need to provide a copy of your current passport, and consent to Multicultural Care verifying the conditions of your VISA.