Volunteer

Our volunteers run and support a range of services including:

• administrative support at a number of our offices 
• Emergency Relief intake 
• English conversation classes for newly arrived refugees
• academic support and encouragement for disadvantaged adults enrolled in our Clemente program
• event help and organisation
• sewing groups
• homework clubs 
• pastoral support in prisons and hospitals

We are grateful for the many wonderful people who give their time, skills and experience to help us respond to an ever-increasing demand for our services.

By volunteering, they contribute to making our community a better place and provide hope for a brighter future.

Can I volunteer with CatholicCare Victoria?

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, life stages and with a broad range of skills. Volunteers under 18 years of age must have written consent from a parent or legal guardian.

Current volunteering opportunities

• Administration Support Worker Volunteer
• Clemente Volunteer
• English Teacher, Settlement Support Volunteer (Dandenong)
• Emergency Relief Volunteer (Broadmeadows)
• Emergency Relief Volunteer (East Melbourne / remote)
• Interpreter, Afghan Women's Sewing & Social Group Volunteer (Dandenong)
• Prison Ministry Volunteers
• Volunteer NILS Program Assistant
• Volunteer Support Administrator

Volunteer Support Administrator - more information:

The Volunteer Support Administrator is responsible for providing administration support to the Volunteer programs of CatholicCare Victoria and the Volunteer Engagement Partner primarily in data entry and electronic record keeping with the data system, and in corresponding with new volunteers in their induction process. 

Key duties include:

• entering details into our data system (treating all information confidentially)
• contacting relevant volunteers to clarify any details, if necessary, before commencing data entry
• consulting with our Volunteer Engagement Partner regarding data inconsistencies / missing data
• managing and maintaining the our electronic client filing system for easy access to volunteer information
• assisting to organise events for recognition of volunteers, including morning teas, award events and appreciation cards/letters
• ensuring police checks and Working with Children checks of volunteers are up to date
• managing paper resources by scanning, filing, collating, copying, shredding and/or distributing as needed
• attending regular team meetings as required

Requirements:

• basic administrative skills
• accuracy in data entry
• good typing skills
• ability to work with minimum supervision and within a team environment
• some skill with various computer applications (Outlook, Excel and Word)
• good communication skills, planning/coordination skills and time management skills
• pleasant, helpful, cooperative and professional manner
• reliable and willing to learn
• use of personal computer/laptop and mobile phone if working remotely

Location: Geelong / remote

Time required: One day or one half day per week (flexible)

ENQUIRE NOW!
Contact:
Mandi Hyland | Volunteer Engagement Partner | T 0499 001 022

Download the volunteer opportunity

English Teacher, Settlement Support Volunteer - more information:

CatholicCare Victoria’s Refugee Settlement Program equips refugee and humanitarian entrants with the social and life skills necessary for successful integration and settlement in Australia. These people are often vulnerable and may have mental health issues, be unemployed, have language barriers and be socially isolated.

The English Class aims to provide participants with instruction, support and basic knowledge in conversational English. CatholicCare will provide a supportive and safe environment for the group, enabling each participant to build their confidence in speaking English while providing opportunities to form and build social connections. The skills learned in the classes may lead to, or assist participants with future employment opportunities. It will assist participants with their English communication and comprehension skills.

Any discussions that lead to the discovery of additional support needed by the community, will be followed up by the Program Coordinator.

Key duties include:

• Lead a group of women learning conversational English
• Enable participants to feel welcome, included and supported during the sessions
• Facilitate meaningful and informative discussions
• Communicating information with enthusiasm, clarity and patience
• Encouraging participants to form social connections with others in the group and practice their English conversation skills
• Follow confidentiality and workplace safety protocols at all times
• Observe the progress of participants and provide assistance as required
• Liaise with the Settlement Support Worker and advise on program developments or requirements, and promptly report on any concerns

Location: Dandenong

Time required: Thursdays 10am to 12pm weekly, from August to 15 September 2022

Commencing: As soon as possible

ENQUIRE NOW!
Contact:
Mandi Hyland | Volunteer Engagement Partner | T 0499 001 022

Download the volunteer opportunityLearn more: English Conversation Program

Interpreter, Afghan Women's Sewing & Social Group Volunteer - more information:

CatholicCare Victoria’s Refugee Settlement Program equips refugee and humanitarian entrants with the social and life skills necessary for successful integration and settlement in Australia. These people are often vulnerable and may have mental health issues, be unemployed, have language barriers and be socially isolated.

The Refugee Sewing Class aims to provide participants with instruction, support and basic knowledge in the art of sewing. CatholicCare will provide a supportive and safe environment for the group, enabling each participant to build their confidence in basic sewing skills while providing opportunities to form and build social connections. The sewing skills learned in the classes may lead to, or assist participants with future employment opportunities. It will assist participants with their English communication and comprehension skills, with the volunteer facilitator providing instructions verbally and also patterns with written instructions

Any discussions that lead to the discovery of additional support needed by the community, will be followed up by the Program Coordinator.

This volunteer must have the ability to interpret the Dari language and communicate with participants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who have limited English skills.

Key duties include:

• Interpreting for the participants and teacher to enable participants to feel welcome, included and supported during the sessions
• Facilitate meaningful and informative discussions
• Communicating information with enthusiasm, clarity and patience
• Encouraging participants to form social connections with others in the group and practice their English conversation skills
• Follow confidentiality and workplace safety protocols at all times
• Observe the progress of participants and provide assistance as required
• Liaise with the Settlement Support Worker and advise on program developments or requirements, and promptly report on any concerns

Location: Dandenong

Time required: Thursdays 12pm to 2pm weekly, from 11 August to 15 September 2022

Commencing: As soon as possible

ENQUIRE NOW!
Contact:
Mandi Hyland | Volunteer Engagement Partner | T 0499 001 022

Download the volunteer opportunityLearn more about the Women's group

Administration Support Worker Volunteer - more information:

We are searching for reliable and enthusiastic volunteers to assist with data collection and entry work in the Victorian Family Law Pathways Network.

The volunteer’s responsibilities will include updating service entries on our iRefer Vic application by calling services, requesting information and entering that information into an excel document. iRefer Vic is a database of 1,000+ family law support services for clients in need of assistance. 

Key duties include:

• Contact service providers for information on their programs
• Maintenance of service records on our database

Skills / qualifications required:

• Customer service focus
• Experience in Administration preferred but not essential
• Demonstrated ability to maintain respectful relationships.

Location: CatholicCare Victoria East Melbourne office

Time required: Flexible and negotiable hours, weekdays between 9am – 4pm

Submit Enquiry 

Learn more about the program 

Clemente Volunteer Learning Partner - more information:

Clemente is a community-based university program which offers free and supported Humanities education to those who experience disadvantage and marginalisation.

The Clemente Fitzroy program (ACU in partnership with CatholicCare Victoria) provides a pathway into increased personal agency and social integration, as well as the opportunity to engage with study, realise possibilities, and achieve their potential.

The Learning Partner will be matched with an adult student to provide tutoring support, direction and encouragement at weekly sessions. The volunteer role is to help the student in making their own decisions, to grow in confidence in relying on their own responses and to become an increasingly independent learner. 

This is a rewarding opportunity to volunteer at ACU! People with degree qualifications or equivalent are required to help tutor and support adult students. 

Essential criteria for Volunteer Learning Partners:

• Able to work productively as part of a team
• Have an understanding of how learning occurs best, for themselves and others
• Have the ability to develop a rapport with students from a variety of backgrounds
• Skills in encouraging personal development in others
• Excellent verbal communication skills, including listening non-judgementally
• Ability to maintain privacy, confidentiality and trust

Commencing: Thursday 28 July 2022

Location: Ballarat Public Library – Doveton Street North     

Time required: 2 hours weekly on Thursdays, 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Submit Enquiry 

Learn more about the program 

Emergency Relief Volunteer - more information:

Emergency Relief services help people address immediate basic needs in times of crisis. People accessing emergency relief typically have a low or no income. Others need support as a result of an unforeseen or life changing event such as illness, loss of employment, family breakdown or family violence. Emergency Relief provides immediate financial and/or material assistance to people in financial crisis. 

The Volunteer Emergency Relief (ER) Intake Assessor position provides services to clients experiencing disadvantage who come to CatholicCare Victoria seeking Emergency Relief Support. Assistance includes initial interview/assessment and distribution of ER assistance (e.g. food vouchers, food, pharmacy assistance, petrol) plus referral to other services, advocacy and provision of information to support the client to receive extended assistance. 

Key duties include:

• Conducting client service intake
• Interviewing clients (via telephone)
• Data entry and basic computer skills
• Maintenance of client records
• Providing Emergency Relief within guidelines and program resources
• Advocating for clients as needed and providing information on other support services
• Customer service focus
• Always upholding client confidentiality and privacy

Location: Dallas Neighbourhood House, Broadmeadows. May change to work remotely if determined by Covid regulations.

Time required: Flexible & negotiable hours - weekdays between 9am-3pm

Commencing: Immediate start

ENQUIRE NOW!
Contact:
Mandi Hyland | Volunteer Engagement Partner | T 0499 001 022
Annie Allgood | Team Leader, Emergency Relief & Volunteer Support | T 0490 292 352

Download the volunteer opportunityLearn more about Emergency Relief

Emergency Relief Volunteer - more information:

People accessing Emergency Relief typically have a low or no income. Others need support as a result of an unforeseen or life changing event such as illness, loss of employment, family breakdown or family violence. Emergency Relief provides immediate financial and/or material assistance to people in financial crisis.

The Volunteer Emergency Relief Intake Assessor will provide assistance including initial interviews/assessments and distribution of ER assistance (e.g. food vouchers, food, pharmacy assistance, petrol); referrals to other services; advocacy; and provision of information to support the client to receive extended assistance. Training will be provided.

Key duties include:

• Conducting client service intake
• Interviewing clients (via telephone)
• Data entry
• Maintenance of client records
• Providing Emergency Relief within guidelines and program resources
• Advocating for clients as needed and providing information on other support services

Skills / qualifications required:

• Relevant community work experience preferred but not essential
• Demonstrated experience working within the community services sector, advantage if you obtain or currently completing tertiary level qualifications in social welfare or related field
• IT skills including working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, Windows operating environment, and data entry skill
• Ability to work both autonomously and within a team environment
• Developed interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills

Locations: East Melbourne (can work remotely)

Time required: Flexible & negotiable hours - weekdays between 9am-3pm

Commencing: As early as practicable

ENQUIRE NOW!
Contact: Mandi Hyland | Volunteer Engagement Partner | T 0499 001 022 

Download the volunteer opportunityLearn more about Emergency Relief

Prison Ministry Volunteers - more information:

We are looking for volunteers who are good listeners, who have an understanding of people and an appreciation of the challenges of our lives, and who are wanting to make a positive difference to the lives of residents living in prisons.

Locations & time required:
- Langi Kal Kal / Beaufort on Fridays
- Ararat on Thursdays

Commencing: As early as practicable, Covid-permitting

Submit Enquiry 

Hear from a Prison Ministry volunteer 

Volunteer NILS Program Assistant - more information:

The No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) provides small no-interest loans up to $1,500 for people in need of essential items/services such as new household items, medical equipment/services, tools, or educational items.

The Volunteer NILS Program Assistant will work alongside the CatholicCare Victoria NILS Worker to support individuals and families on low incomes, to address their current financial needs with a focus on minimising financial stress.

This position will assist with the assessment of applications for NILS, in consultation with the CatholicCare Victoria NILS Worker and clients to ensure their eligibility and ability to meet the loan requirements. Training will be provided.

Key duties include:

• Conducting client service intakes
• Interviewing clients (via telephone)
• Maintenance of client records
• Financial tasks

Skills / qualifications required:

• Community work experience and/or tertiary qualifications in social welfare, community development or another relevant discipline
• Well-developed IT skills including working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, Windows operating environment, and data entry skill
• Ability to work both autonomously and within a team environment
• Developed interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Experience working within NILS, finance or the community services sector is an advantage

Locations: Ballarat, Mildura, or Melbourne (can work remotely)

Time required: Flexible & negotiable hours - weekdays between 9am-4pm

Commencing: As early as practicable

ENQUIRE NOW!
Contact: Mandi Hyland | Volunteer Engagement Partner | T 0499 001 022

Download the volunteer opportunity Learn more about NILS 

Register to volunteer with us

If you would like to register for a volunteering position or if you’re interested in volunteering with us, please submit a volunteering enquiry below.

If you’ve been selected for a volunteering position with us, we will ask you to:

1. complete a Registration Form

2. read and sign a Confidentiality Agreement and Volunteer Declaration

3. undergo a Police Record Check and a Working with Children Check (we will reimburse the cost of this when you commence voluntary work).

Volunteering enquiry form

First Name

Last Name

Email *

How did you hear about us?

How would you like to help?

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