Visiting Volunteer

Overview

Visit Volunteer - SA role with Australian Red Cross. This is an ongoing long-term volunteering position (minimum 12-month commitment) at an aged care facility (ACF) or residential home. Availability is flexible (any day of the week) and time involved is typically 1-2 hours per week. Volunteers must be able to commit to at least one visit per week on a regular basis and participate in mandatory training and e-learning modules (approximately 1 hour per month).

What you will do

• Provide regular visits to older adults living in aged care facilities or at home to reduce loneliness and promote social connectedness.
• Engage in conversations and activities that are appropriate to the client, building a friendly and supportive relationship.
• Be thoughtfully matched with participants based on shared interests and backgrounds and engage in activities such as sharing a cup of tea, reminiscence, or hobbies (cards, board games).

The program

Social connection is vital for well-being, especially as we age. The Red Cross Visiting Program offers friendly visits to foster meaningful interactions, uplifting conversations, and a sense of connection for older Australians living at home or in aged care facilities who may be experiencing loneliness and isolation. Volunteers are matched with participants and engage in activities that promote companionship and positive well-being.

The opportunity

We are seeking volunteers who possess strong conversational skills and the ability to relate to and empathise with a diverse range of older individuals, including those from various cultural backgrounds and life experiences.

Key requirements and your commitment

• Be willing to join a nationwide team delivering social inclusion programs within Aged and Community Care.
• Engage in conversation and activities appropriate to the client.
• Respect the privacy, rights, and dignity of clients and maintain confidentiality regarding information obtained during service delivery.
• Utilise appropriate digital systems and adhere to established work practices relevant to the program.
• Record timely and appropriate documentation of interactions with clients.
• Maintain clear professional relationships and boundaries to safeguard the well-being of both the client and yourself.
• Participate in mandatory learning and development to keep knowledge and skills up-to-date in the aged and community care sector.
• Commit to upholding the principles outlined in the Aged Care Code of Conduct and any updates.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity by respecting diverse backgrounds and ensuring all interactions are inclusive and free from discrimination.

Red Cross will ensure you have training, ongoing support and access to other opportunities within the world's largest humanitarian network.

Impact

As a Visiting Volunteer, you will brighten the life of an older person experiencing loneliness by offering companionship and social connectedness. Through shared stories and experiences, both you and the participant gain mutual understanding and companionship.

You will be part of the Red Cross Aged and Community Care team that works to support older and vulnerable people across Australia through a range of volunteer-based programs.

Application requirements

• All volunteers will be required to undertake a National Police Check, organized through Red Cross.
• Statutory Declaration if you have been a citizen or permanent resident of another country after turning 16.
• Only for ACT Visiting - Any additional checks as required by your state/territory (e.g., Working with Vulnerable People Check, Working with Children's Check, proof of COVID-19 vaccination, etc.) will be notified during onboarding.

Further information

To find out more about this opportunity please contact the Aged and Community Care Volunteer Assistance Team on 1300 559 992 or email agedcarevolunteers@redcross.org.au. Thank you for considering volunteering at Red Cross. We also have great career opportunities, please visit our website https://www.redcross.org.au/careers/.

Red Cross strives to create a safe and inclusive culture with wellbeing at its centre. We embrace diversity and welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with different lived experiences, abilities, gender, ethnicity, age, and sexual orientation. We are a child safe organisation with zero tolerance of any harm to children. Our vision is to be trusted as the leading humanitarian organisation making a genuine difference in the lives of people and communities.

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