Established in 1990, Open Support is a community service organisation committed to providing assistance to families in need across NSW through the active participation of trained volunteers and staff.

The Open Support Social Isolation volunteer program aims to reduce the impact of social isolation by providing opportunities for connection and companionship through phone support to people experiencing social isolation and/or loneliness in the community.

The role involves:

• phone support to two or more clients
• providing companionship and social support
• encouraging client participation in other connection-based activities
• observing client wellbeing
• escalating issues of concern to Open Support staff
• respecting and understanding individual / cultural differences
• completing accurate records
• maintaining client confidentiality

Essential:

• ability to interact with clients in an attentive, sensitive and non-judgemental way.
• high level interpersonal and active listening skills sound written communication skills
• time management
• understanding of the impact of social isolation
• Police Check

Skills:

• ability to work independently and professionally with limited supervision
• experience working with vulnerable people in a community setting
• ability to identify and manage risk to ensure safety
• experience in working with people from CALD backgrounds, people with disability, aged care and people with mental health issues
• computer literacy - intermediate or above
• ability to work as part of a team

Desirable:

• welfare, community services or aged care experience
• knowledge of local area for client outings
• ability to speak a second language other than English
• Mental Health First Aid Certificate

If you have an hour or more each fortnight to help reduce social isolation in the community, please get in touch!