The Boroondara Volunteer Resource Centre is advertising this role on behalf of Moira.

The Interchange Host Program is seeking volunteers who are responsible, enthusiastic and fun to host a child up to the age of 18 with a disability, usually for one day a month, or on a flexible basis that suits both parties.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Engage children living with a disability in a range of recreational activities (e.g. arts and crafts, bowling, outing to a local park)
• Take reasonable steps to ensure the health and wellbeing of the child you are matched with
• Encourage choice and control with the child you are matched with where ever possible
• Be available to participate as a volunteer in this program for at least one year

Skills and Experience:

• Experience taking care of or working with a person with a disability is not required, however as this role does not have direct supervision, a level of experience looking after or working with children is required.

Induction and Training:

• An office based induction will be provided to explain the fundamentals of the Interchange Host Program, as well as educate new volunteers about MOIRA's policies and procedures.
• The Interchange Host Program Officer is available to support volunteers throughout the entire matching process, with this support continuing on once a match has been made. The Program Officer will also provide referrals to external training opportunities where relevant to a volunteer's role.

Benefits: Volunteers who are part of this program learn how to overcome the stigma associated with individuals living with disability and how to communicate and interact in a way that is not discriminatory or patronizing. These skills are especially useful for those who are currently working or studying to work in the field of disability or in areas where they regularly interact with individuals living with a disability. For example: Disability Support Worker, Nurse or Teacher. Additionally, hosting a child living with a disability is a great way to give back to families who are in need of respite, as well has provide new opportunities and experiences to the child themselves. Another benefit of the Interchange Host Program is it's flexibility and how it provides individuals with the opportunity to volunteer on their own, as a couple or even as a family.