Our volunteers share our passion and commitment to supporting people in need. They come from all walks of life and backgrounds and include retirees, part-time workers, stay-at-home parents, & skilled professionals.

The Home-Start Volunteer, the parent supporter's role is to provide vital support to young families (with at least one child of pre-school age). As a volunteer you give new parents an opportunity to expand their village and as a person with lived experience in caring for children you know how important this is.

Mostly volunteers are parents or grandparents themselves or have parenting experience – they come from a wide range of ages and backgrounds. All new volunteers must attend a preparation course and undergo a screening process before being linked with a family.

A parent supporter offers support either virtually (online/phone) providing emotional encouragement as well as guidance and information around parenting; or face to face emotional support as well as practical help for 1-2 hours per week.

This role will take place in the Bendigo/Macedon ranges area.

ESSENTIAL:

• Parenting or caregiving knowledge

• Good communication skills

• Satisfactory National Criminal History Check (Baptcare will organise & pay for)

• Current Working with Children check

• Undertaken two interviews (one pre-course, one post-course)

• 2 successful reference checks

• If you have lived overseas after the age of 16 a Statutory Declaration signed and certified is also required.

• Ability to follow guidance regarding infection control requirements (e.g. PPE, paperwork, training etc.) as needed for the role.

DESIRABLE:

• Basic knowledge of childhood milestones

• First Aid Certificate

• Experience working with volunteer programs

• Driver’s License

• Basic record keeping experience

We Value our Volunteers – Here’s what’s in it for you:

• Access to our My Impact portal for easy recording of Volunteer impact hours, e-learning modules, our news platform which is specifically designed for Volunteers and communicating with your Volunteer Co-ordinator.
• Exclusive access to new Volunteer roles before we go to market for those looking to increase hours or to try something new.
• Inclusion in our Reward & Recognition Program which includes length of service recognition, vouchers, We Care Values Awards Program,
• Volunteer education assistance through face-to-face and electronic learning modules
• Access to our wellness assistance program, including counselling services.
• Discounts on health insurance and computers
• Be included in special events such as morning/afternoon teas, wellness and cultural days, and so much more
• Our team is genuine in the support they offer, whether it be helping you to secure the right paid employment opportunity, supporting your development and growth while you are volunteering for us.