Location: Frankston area, the whole of the Mornington Peninsula and Cardinia Shire
Position type: Voluntary
Hours: 2 or more hours per fortnight
Required commitment: One year
Support: Full staff support, training and supervision - after hours phone support
Program: Child and Family Support

Do you have a real passion for working with vulnerable families? Could you work under the guidance of a case-management team to support a family to meet the goals of their unique care-plan? This can be a challenging and very rewarding role. This position is part of our Family Solutions Program.

Families referred into this program often have complex needs and may be under a case manager from Family Solutions and/or the Department of Human Services.

As a volunteer in this role you would be spending structured time with a family to provide some extra support and encouragement to empower them to meet their care-plan goals. You will be working as part of the care team. We find that sometimes the support of a volunteer, who is not "just another worker" can make all the difference for the family as they work towards their goals.

Volunteers in this role: Adhere to a structured care-plan. Need to communicate effectively and in a timely manner with case manager/volunteer coordinator. Follow practice guidelines. Have a basic understanding of the principles of Reflective Practice. Have a basic understanding of the principles of Best Interest Framework. Have a Strengths Based Approach. Have the ability to work in a completely non-discriminatory way. Are passionate about supporting families to do the best they can Have to be able to have a laugh, listen, learn and respect individuality.

You would receive guidance and support from your volunteer coordinator and be invited to attend regular volunteer support meetings and professional development opportunities throughout the year.

Some of the reasons families might need this kind of support include social isolation, lack of resources, changes in relationships, financial circumstances or lack of positive role models or extended family. Families in this program may also have a history of Family Violence, Drug and Alcohol use, Mental Health issues, Family Breakdown, Child Abuse/Neglect or other serious issues.

Skills required

• The ability to see things from someone else's point of view
• Empathic and non-judgemental viewpoint
• Resourcefulness, such as being able to source low-cost or free activities for the parent and their children
• A willingness to have fun and laugh
• A good listening ear
• Be focussed on helping to build stronger family relationships
• We find this role is best suited to those who have parenting experience

Requirements

• Easy access to volunteering area
• Driver's license preferred, but not essential
• Self-motivated
• Able to work unsupervised, but within program guidelines
• Working with Children Check card
• 100 points of ID for National Criminal Check (Police Check)

Volunteer and Carer position online enquiry form