V - Prison Gate Outreach Team Member (Volunteer)

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We are looking for compassionate people who share our mission and values, if you have the passion and drive to commit yourself to a challenging and rewarding role; we invite you to review our current vacancies.

ABOUT US

The Salvation Army is one of Australia's largest and most-loved charities, helping thousands of Australians every year find hope in the midst of all kinds of personal hardship. The Salvation Army offers the opportunity to use your skills and expertise to make a real difference in the lives of people who need help most.
- About the role
- The aim of the Prison Gate ministry is to facilitate a "good" visit for an incarcerated person.
- This is a ministry of encouragement and support to those visiting loved ones in correctional centres. It involves being present at centre visiting time, during the initial administration phase of a centre visit. You may: help new visitors get oriented to the process, provide a listening ear for those needing to talk, a smile and company for those who would otherwise be waiting alone and we provide referral information about other supports that may be useful to them or their loved one in custody. We may also offer toys for children, if available.
- Volunteers are encouraged to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide them in their interactions with visitors
- Key tasks and responsibilities
- Empathise and actively listen to visitors
- Provide encouragement and hope. Pastoral care.
- Pray for visitors or the prisoners, if requested.
- Adhere to Correctional Centre requirements and requests
- Make sure all people and the workplace are safe by always abiding by safe work practices.
- Keep children safe by always abiding by Salvation Army's child safe policies and code of conduct.
- Qualifications and skills (desired/required)
- No formal qualifications are required.
- Active listening and communication skills will be required.
- Capabilities and personal attributes

Focus for self: Act in line with The Salvation Army mission, values, code of conduct and industry standards.

Focus on others: The capability to effectively manage personal relationships with others, both within the ministry team and centre visitors.
- Background check requirements

A police check will be required given the nature of this role.

Personal information provided will be handled as per Salvation Army privacy and confidentiality policies..
- Training Requirements

One of the many ways we care for people is by ensuring our workers are well equipped with the necessary knowledge to complete their role safely.

To successfully undertake this role, the following training is required:

- Foundational training which includes an introduction to The Salvation Army, code of conduct training, work-safe and child-safe practices (online);
- The Salvation Army Safeguarding training (online); and
- Prison Gate specific role training (approximately 4 hours, face to face).
- Work Health and Safety (WHS) considerations

We take Work Health Safety and well-being seriously at The Salvation Army. We want to ensure volunteers are fully informed and aware of key safety considerations. For this role, key considerations include (but not limited to):

- Following lifting procedures/limitations and use handrails when descending steep stairs.
- Remain within the designated Correctional Centre visitor reception area during the conduct of the ministry.
- Follow the directives of Correctional Centre staff.
- As this role occasionally interacts with vulnerable people and potentially stressed clients, where appropriate, volunteers should be able to remain calm and help visitors do the same. Training will be provided.
- Implement Correctional Centre COVID requirements, specifically in relation to facemasks.
- This role requires up to date COVID vaccination

Other WHS considerations will be covered during the induction.

Time Required & Commitment

Each Prison Gate Connect team consists of a minimum of two volunteers who assemble at the administration building of a designated correctional centre between 7:30 - 8:30am on either Saturday or Sunday morning - as rostered. Note: there is no requirement to enter the prison itself.

Background checks requirements may change time to time if legislations or TSA requirements change.
- Training requirements may change with time.
- The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people. _
- We value people of all cultures, languages, capacities, sexual orientations, gender identities and/or expressions. W_
- The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All child related roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. _
- Additionally, certain volunteer roles may require a National Police Check._