Volunteer - Big Buddy
About this opportunity
The Big Buddy program is based on a peer support model linking volunteer carers with young people with a disability to promote opportunities for social connectedness and engagement within their local community.
The program aims to work with individuals and their families to identify areas of interest and activities they would like to participate in with their ‘Big Buddy’, promoting individual choice and involvement.
Buddies will need to satisfy all aspects of the Volunteer Assessment Process (Interviews, Police and Working with Children Checks, Referee and Medical Checks). Complete Interchange Volunteer Training processes.
Commit to the Program for a minimum of 12 months. (These visits can be weekly, fortnightly or monthly; for a day, overnight or for a weekend).
Skills or Experience required:
- Well developed communication and interpersonal skills -Organisation and record keeping
- Punctual and good time management,
- Ability to make decisions and problem solve.
- First Aid qualification or working towards obtaining first aid
- Drivers licence
- Experience working with Children with disability desirable but not essential
Key Attributes include: Reliable, responsible, respectful, caring, ability to work independently, Someone who enjoys interacting and engaging with others. Demonstrate a genuine desire to make a positive contribution to the life of a young person with a disability and their family.
Rewards: Building positive relationships with members of the community. Developing transferrable skills e.g communication, problem solving. Meeting new people, making connections and friends. Making a difference in the lives of people with disability, their families and carers.
Volunteer duties: To liaise with the Parent/Guardian on a regular basis to plan ongoing visits with the young person. Supervise and support participant when on outings in the community. To assist, as required, with the personal care needs of the young person e.g. personal hygiene, meals and mobility. To always transport Interchange participants in an Australian Standards approved vehicle restraint, appropriate for their age, size and weight. To ensure that any medication prescribed for the young person is taken as per the authorised medication plan. Where possible maintain consistency with the young person’s routine and management strategies. Perform Volunteer role ethically and responsibly at all times within the policies, guidelines and principles of UMFC and Interchange.
Additional requirements
Covid-19 vaccination . Medical Check *. National Police Certificate *. Working with Children Check *.
Training- Induction is provided to all new volunteers and additional training and support is ongoing. Requirements- WWCC, NPC, Medical Check, Undergoing interviews and assessment to become an accredited Big Buddy.
Weekdays and weekends Varying times dependent on client needs, mornings, afternoon and evenings. Big Buddy's may volunteer once a month, fortnight or on a more frequent basis.
Suitable for- People with disability
- Skilled Volunteers
- Travelling Volunteers
- Wheelchair Access
- Childcare
- Companionship & Social Support
- Disability Support
Complete Orientation Training before commencing in programs. Ongoing training to assist with role.
ReimbursementA small reimbursement amount is made available to volunteers to cover out of pocket costs.