About the position
Volunteer at Sacred Heart Community as part of the Aged Care Visitor Volunteer Scheme (ACVVS) and provide friendship and companionship to one of our residents!
What we are looking for
The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) in Victoria gives volunteers an opportunity to positively change someone’s life through friendship. As we grow older, friendships are more important than ever, it’s never too late to make new and meaningful connections. We are seeking volunteers who can commit to building a friendship with an older person, who may be lonely and isolated.
By volunteering in a residential aged care facility, you can improve the quality of life for an older person who may have limited contact with others – whether for social or cultural reasons, or due to disability.
One in four Australians feel lonely or isolated socially. Forming meaningful friendships by volunteering can help you and an older person to feel more connected.
Many of our residents are from different cultural backgrounds and want to chat in their home language. If you speak a language other than English, we encourage you to apply.
As you will be working with residents with a history of homelessness and poverty you should have an understanding of these issues and the capacity to work respectfully with a diverse range of participants.
Requirements:
- You’ll need to agree to a confidentiality agreement
- Adhere to our Code of Conduct
- Undergo the required safety screening (eg Police or NDIS check; all costs will be covered by Sacred Heart Mission).
- Live in, or work near the locations we cover (Southeast inner Melbourne.)
- 18 years or older
About Sacred Heart Mission
Every day of the year, Sacred Heart Mission assists hundreds of people who are experiencing homelessness or disadvantage to find shelter, food, care and support. Through our wide-ranging homelessness services, research and innovation we strongly advocate for an inclusive, fair and compassionate community where people can overcome disadvantage and trauma.
About Sacred Heart Community
Our support differs from many other aged care services, because we also support people from a younger age group with aged care approvals whilst receiving NDIS supports. Our residents come to Sacred Heart Mission after a lifetime of living with persistent disadvantage. At Sacred Heart Community their life experiences and diversity are welcomed. Here, they have a home for life.
“The Residents enjoy seeing a friendly face on a regular basis, whether it is over a cuppa, a walk or just a simple chat. Many long-term friendships have been forged through the ACVVS program. Anybody can make a difference to someone else.”
-Santi, Lifestyle Coordinator at Sacred Heart Mission Community
Affiliated Partners
Brighton –Calvary Elanora, Vasey RSL Care Brighton and Brighton East
Port Melbourne – Wintringham
South Melbourne – CaspaCare
St Kilda – Sacred Heart Community Residential Care
Windsor – BUPA
Responsibilities
- You will be matched with a resident with common interests who you will visit and provide companionship, friendship and meaningful interaction
- Chatting and storytelling with the resident
- Working on a hobby together
- Partake in activities like a puzzle, drawing or card games
- Going for a walk with the resident
Commitment
With the aim of building a long-term relationship with your resident, we encourage you to commit to regular visits, either weekly or fortnightly, for a minimum of six months. Ideally, these visits are between Monday and Friday during business hours, but weekend visits may be possible.
To Apply
Apply online via the link below, make sure to select the relevant ACVVS location ‘ in the ‘Areas of Interest’ – ‘Assignment Preference’ section of the form.
We will then conduct an in person interview and if successful you need to willing undergo a police check and a Working with Children Check.
Funded by the Australian Government