V-Doorways Community Connector

Start your mission volunteer experience with The Salvation Army today

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 a Christian movement and 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 Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is a Christian movement dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus. We share the love of Jesus by:

- Caring for people
- Building healthy communities
- Creating faith pathways
- Working for justice

The Salvation Army is one of Australia's largest and most-loved charities, helping Australians find hope amid personal hardship. On average, The Salvation Army helps a person through our network of services and programs across Australia every 17 seconds.

Volunteer with the Salvos

It takes an army of volunteers to provide and enable practical care for Australians every year. Volunteers bring life to our values of integrity, compassion, respect, diversity and collaboration.

We are always looking for individuals to bring fresh energy and ideas to a range of volunteer roles. Whatever your skillset, availability or areas of interest, you may surprise yourself with the different ways you can make a difference.

Volunteering is an invitation to demonstrate care for others in our local communities; it is the everyday embodiment of love in action. Those who give up their time so freely are some of the greatest contributors and advocates of Salvation Army mission and vision. It is through working alongside one another that transformation is possible. Not only do we focus on the transformative experience of service recipients and local communities, but also of our volunteers.

The Salvation Army is a Child Safe Organisation and takes this commitment very seriously. Therefore, all child-facing volunteer roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. Other roles may require a police check.

The Salvation Army 'Doorways' community support model engages people at their point of need in a holistic way that is missional, relational and professional. Doorways provides support to community members through financial and material emergency relief, along with casework to help them to find long-term solutions.

Primary a frontline role, the Doorways Community Connector is usually the first person a community member meets when they walk through the door. First impressions count - a welcoming smile and offers of refreshments help community members feel safe and accepted. Doorways Community Connectors are integral in creating a friendly environment as well as helping to connect them with support services and community activities.

Key responsibilities

Build rapport

The Doorways Community Connector takes a genuine interest in each person who comes on site, striking up conversations with a friendly smile and warm welcome. They offer refreshments and a chance to connect over a cuppa to help community members to relax.

Program Support

Depending on the services available at the specific site, the Doorways Community Connector may take part in the activities that support community members.

In peak periods, a Doorways Community Connector may assist the Doorways Support Assistant with other frontline activities such as the distribution of material aid and pre-allocated financial assistance cards, as well as referrals to other services, programs, activities and spiritual support.

Qualifications and skills (desired/required)

Essential for the role is an interest in meeting new people, bringing sensitivity and empathy to all interactions.

Desirable previous experience for the role is customer service or connecting with people in a community support setting.

Capabilities and personal attributes

Manage Self: Shows personal motivation and commitment to completing work activities effectively; regulates own behaviour and responds appropriately in all circumstances; receives and responds to constructive advice.

Communicate Effectively: Allows others time to speak; listens when they are speaking and asks appropriate, respectful questions; is aware of own non-verbal cues; focuses on key points and uses simple words to build mutual understanding.

Work Collaboratively: Works as a supportive and cooperative team member, shares information and acknowledges the contribution and support of others.

Background check requirements

Background checks play an important part in our commitment to being a safe organisation. Where an applicant has disclosable history, the selection process includes a fair assessment and a risk management approach.