PROGRAM OBJECTIVE Northside’s Social Inclusion Groups support older citizens engage in community activities to promote health and wellbeing. As part of the program we have an ‘explorers group’ at Northside’s Dickson offices on Tuesdays where clients learn about and partake in activities associated to nations around the world. On Friday’s clients are taken on social outings around Canberra. Typical outings could include attending Floriade, visiting the museum and galleries, picnics at the lake or Cotter Dam, shopping at Ikea etc.

POSITION DESCRIPTION We are seeking volunteers to enthusiastically provide social and physical assistance to our social group participants. Our programs run on Tuesdays and Fridays and volunteers available for one or both of those days are welcome. As part of the role we hope to find volunteers with outgoing personalities who love to socialise with the clients and are willing to make friends and engage as much as possible. We are therefore seeking outgoing and charismatic volunteers who love getting out and about, helping out and having a great chat with group members

Social Group Volunteers also assist our bus driver to transport clients to and from outings and support participants with mobility while out and about. This includes pushing wheelchairs, helping to carry bags and making tea and coffee.

KEY SOCIAL SUPPORT VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the social group bus driver in transporting clients to and from outings.
• Be available every week to provide support on a Tuesday or Friday.
• Support social group clients with mobility while out and about.
• Conduct each outing in a professional, competent and caring manner.
• Provide social support to social group clients.
• Respect the independence of social group clients.
• Contact staff immediately if you have any concerns relating to the health or wellbeing of program participants.
• Document all kilometres travelled for reimbursement purposes, if required.
• Complete a monthly report on number of visits/hours of volunteering completed per month.
• Follow all guidelines, policies and procedures provided by Northside.
• Undertake Volunteer Induction and Training.

NORTHSIDE VOLUNTEER QUALITIES

• Be committed and reliable.
• Ability to work with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds with a variety of abilities.
• Ability to work independently and take responsibility for own actions and behaviour and how this impacts on others.
• Ability and willingness to learn and accurately follow all relevant Northside policies, procedures and processes.
• Respect confidentiality and privacy of social group clients.
• Flexible, non-judgemental and respect individuality.
• Adjust to changing work requirements in a positive manner.
• Be open to feedback from social group clients and Northside staff.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Current Working with Vulnerable People Card (applications free for volunteers WWVP Registration - Access Canberra.).
• Undergo a Police Check (done during induction).
• Must be willing to do a First Aid Certificate

BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING AT NORTHSIDE

• Play a key role in developing the skills and improving social networks and health outcomes for older citizens.
• Develop your skills in providing social support.
• Broaden your social network.
• Kilometre reimbursement.
• Provide work references.
• Access training and development opportunities.
• Make a difference and contribute to your community.