This role is advertised by Volunteer West, the volunteer resource centre of Australian Multicultural Community Services on behalf of Elder Rights Advocacy

Organisation description

Elder Rights Advocacy is a state-wide, Victorian non-profit aged care advocacy organisation established in 1990 as Residential Care Rights. Our services include aged care information and advocacy for older people and their families and a volunteer-based friendly visiting service for older people. Our mission is to support older people’s right to quality care. Our vision is a diverse, vibrant, multicultural community, where older people are respected, heard and well-informed, and can exercise their rights and responsibilities with confidence.

Job description Elder Rights Advocacy are looking for friendly, compassionate and caring volunteers interested in enriching the lives of older people living in residential aged care or at home.

You will be introduced to an older person in their home or aged care facility who is experiencing feelings of social isolation. Through your ongoing visits, you will build a meaningful friendship by providing companionship that will assist in reducing feelings of loneliness and encourage social connection.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• A genuine interest in building friendships and social connections with an older person to ease social isolation.
• Understand health issues faced by people as they age and use this understanding and empathy during your visits.
• Effective social skills; can listen and engage with people possibly from a diverse cultural background and who may be experiencing loneliness.
• Ability to maintain clear boundaries and confidentiality.
• Are mature, reliable, flexible and have confidence to work independently without direct supervision and to seek support and guidance as required.

Role Responsibilities

• Visit one-on-one with an older person on a weekly or fortnightly basis.
• Undertake activities that are of interest to the participant. This this may include listening to music together, playing cards or board games, or simply having a chat.
• Outings are also possible once ongoing visits are well established.
• Maintain regular communication with the program staff.
• Record and submit monthly reports.

COVID Vaccination, Flu vaccination and drivers licence preferred but not essential. All applicants are required to undergo a Volunteer Recruitment process including Interview, Reference, Police Check and Online Training that is paid for by Elder Rights Advocacy

Benefits volunteers will get from this role?

• Friendship with a community member that is isolated and needs companionship.
• Learn interesting things about persons individual experiences in life.
• Sense of helping others in need.
• Develop an understanding of cultural and diverse needs in your community.

Other notes This role could be made suitable for a volunteer with a disability and people who wants to improve their conversational English skills