About the Role

A good Connections volunteer is reliable, pleasant and approachable. Connections volunteers are required for our monthly Café Catch-ups in Lismore and Ballina. We are seeking 2-3 hours a month on the first Friday of each month from 10am to 12pm (unless otherwise specified) and we ask for a 6-month commitment where possible. As a Connections Volunteer, you will have diverse responsibilities, including:

• Conversational flow: you will support the inclusion of as many people as possible into the conversation during Connections activities.
• Guiding: you may be asked for assistance in guiding Clients to and from certain locations within an establishment.
• Other types of assistance provided may involve e.g. reading menus, removing or flagging hazards on a path.

Requirements

• Reliable, pleasant and approachable
• Good communication skills
• Ability to work well with others / good team player
• Observant of what is happening around you and in relation to the client participants
• Ability to conduct yourself in a professional manner
• First Aid/CPR certification is desirable but can be obtained as part of the role
• 18+ years old to apply

Training Provided

Upon starting as a Connections volunteer, you will receive training, NDIS Learning module, an Introduction to Low Vision and Blindness and to Guiding principles.

Additional Accountabilities

Workplace Health & Safety (WHS) Follow Guide Dogs NSW/ACT WH&S policy, procedures and rules, and follow safe work practices.

Values

Demonstrate and promote Guide Dogs NSW/ACT values:

• Lead with Head and Heart
• Never stop exploring
• Walk the talk
• Lift each other

Benefits to the Volunteer

• Supporting the purpose of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. Break the boundaries that limit people with low vision or blindness.
• To use your skills and experience to help others
• Social and community connection

Benefits to the Organisation

• “At Guide Dogs, we simply couldn’t do any of the important work we do to support people with low vision or blindness without our volunteers, some of whom have been supporting us for decades” CEO Dale Cleaver
• Expand our reach and deepen our impact