Volunteer Program
Be a part of our exciting Volunteer Program. Volunteers play a very important role in the lives of people with disabilities and greatly assist in the operation of Independence Australia. We welcome your interest!
- Are you a people person?
- Do you like meeting new people?
- Can you volunteer a day or two or more, a year?
- Need some work experience?
- Can you share some of your skills and knowledge?
- Want to make a difference to someone else?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, we would love to meet you!
At Independence Australia, we are looking for people who would be interested in becoming volunteers. The following areas are an example of the many opportunities that are available:
Be Creative with the Yarrunga Craft Group
At Independence Australia we have an art and craft program that meet Mondays, Wednesday's and Fridays at the Yarrunga Community Centre in Croydon Hills. Volunteers and participants with disabilities work together to produce beautiful ceramic items, aroma scented candles and parquetry bread boards that are a must, in any kitchen. These are just a few examples of how creative you can be. If you are creative, volunteer your talents to us!
Be a Mate!
Many of our clients would like a friend to go shopping, the movies, sporting events, night clubbing or for a chat over coffee etc. The choices are never ending. Take a moment out of your busy schedule and make a commitment to make a difference to someone else. All you need are a couple of hours a week or fortnight, a good sense of humour, love to meet new people, have an interest or two that you would share. If you want to be a mate, then we would love to hear from you!
Talented Admin Skills Needed in our Collingwood Head Office
Our staff in the Collingwood (Melbourne) office need a hand from volunteers who have great administration skills. Do you know how to speak to a computer? Do you know your A, B, C for filing, or can you help to process bulk mail-outs on time?
Why Volunteer at Independence Australia?
Volunteering at Independence Australia is a great way to become involved in your community. At the same time it can provide you with opportunities to make new friends, learn new skills or refresh the skills you have.
Volunteering is work which:
- Benefits the community
- Is done of your own free will
- Is done without monetary reward
- Is always within a community, not-for-profit organisation (like Independence Australia)
- You can volunteer in many areas. The choice is endless. You can work indoors, outdoors, one to one or with groups, day, evenings or weekends, weekly, fortnightly, monthly or just occasionally.
As a volunteer you have the right to:
- Information about Independence Australia
- A clearly written job description
- Know who you are accountable to
- Be recognised as a valued team member
- Be supported and supervised in your role
- A healthy and safe working environment
- Be covered by insurance
- Say "NO" if you feel you are being exploited
- Be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses
- Be informed and consulted on matters which directly or indirectly affect you or your work
- Be made aware of the grievance procedure within the organisation
- Orientation and training
As a volunteer you need to:
- Be reliable
- Agree to Independence Australia's policy on volunteers
- Respect confidentiality
- Be accountable
- Respect the rights and privacy of clients and other workers in the organisation
- Have a non-judgmental approach
- Carry out the volunteer job description
- Give feedback to the co-ordinator about your role and progress
- · Be committed to the program
- Ask for support and/or advice when it is needed
- Advise the co-ordinator of any change of address, phone number, or health situation.
- Notify the co-ordinator if you are no longer able to volunteer or feel that you don't want to volunteer.
Special Requirements
If your volunteer time with Independence Australia includes working with clients you will be required to undergo a police check. You can only be accepted onto the volunteer program if you agree to this minimum requirement.
Further Information:
Click here to email the Volunteer Coordinator.
