Home and Community Care
Lower North Shore Volunteer Service
.jpg)
Post: PO Box 57 Chatswood, NSW 2057
Phone: 9777 7815
Fax: 9413 4679
Email:
lnsvolunteer@willoughby.nsw.gov.au
What we do...
- Recruit and refer potential volunteers to a service that matches their interests
- Discuss the variety of options with potential volunteers
- Promote the benefits of volunteering in the community
- Encourage community members with non-English speaking background to volunteer
- Assist with training of volunteers when required
|
All Home and Community Care (HACC) volunteering positions across Lane Cove, Mosman, North Sydney and Willoughby Council areas are managed under the Lower North Shore Volunteer Service.
HACC Service volunteer roles operate within the community, and provide a comprehensive range of support services for frail aged and people with a disability, as well as their carers. Some of these services would not be able to exist without the invaluable support of community volunteers. We require community volunteers from all cultural backgrounds to provide this support and make a positive difference in people's lives.
Volunteer Positions
Contact the Lower North Shore Volunteer Service
If you would discuss volunteering, contact us on 9777 7815 or email lnsvolunteer@willoughby.nsw.gov.au.
To apply for one or more volunteer roles, complete the 
HACC Volunteer Registration Form - 36 KB or register online.
You will also need to consent to a Criminal History Record Check. The aim of this screening is to ensure the safety of our residents when in the care and trust of our service providers. It does not necessarily disqualify a person if there is a record of a minor offence.
LNS Volunteer Service will acknowledge and discuss your volunteer application over the phone or will make a time to meet with you to discuss volunteering in more detail.
Job descriptions, guidelines and training/information sessions are provided for all volunteer positions.
Why Volunteer?
There are many reasons why people volunteer and volunteering provides various rewards. Reasons may include:
- A genuine desire to help others
- To meet and connect with new people
- To be part of a team
- To learn new skills, develop existing skills, or to teach others new skills
- To contribute to and make a difference in your community
- To gain work experience for study or employment
- To pursue an interest
- To increase confidence
- To use spare time in a satisfying way
- To meet other people and make friends
- To have fun and feel good
Rights and responsibilities of a volunteer
Volunteers have the following rights:
- to know what the job is before starting
- to have the right tools for the job
- to have access to orientation and training
- to have a clearly written job description and agreed working hours
- to supervision and clear instruction
- to a safe and healthy workplace (insurance cover, safe working conditions)
- to be heard and to speak up
- to information about the organisation for which you are volunteering
- to have their confidential & personal information dealt with in accordance with the principles of the Privacy Act 1988
- to be regarded as a team member and be supported and supervised in your role
- to be informed about policies and information that affect your work
Volunteers have the following responsibilities:
- to respect and abide by the policies and procedures of the organisation
- to carry out the volunteer position that you have agreed to do
- to ask for help and support when needed
- to respect confidentiality and privacy of clients, staff and other volunteers
- to respect the rights of clients
- to be reliable and inform their supervisor if they are unable to attend work
- to be willing to attend training relevant to their volunteer position
- to maintain clear and open communication at all times
- to give adequate notice before you leave the organisation
How to become a volunteer
- Decide that you want to make a difference to your community by helping in the not-for-profit sector.
- Think about your abilities and interests.
- Consider which of the available roles you might be interested in.
- Contact the Lower North Shore Volunteer Service on 9777 7815, complete the HACC Volunteer Registration Form - 36 KB or register online.
- The Lower North Shore Volunteer Service will inform you of the volunteering options available that might suit you. With your consent, you will be referred to the program that matches your interest, needs and skills.
- Attend an interview with the volunteer Coordinator of your selected service and get started if your application is accepted!
Volunteer Positions
Day Program for Older People - Activities Support
Socialise with clients and organise/encourage participation in activities at day activity programs in Lower North Shore Areas.
Duties:
- Assist in the provision of opportunities for all members to participate in recreational and social activities suited to their interests and abilities.
- To facilitate members, too frail or confused to participate in group activities by providing one to one contact and assistance.
- Provide support to participants on social outings.
- Assistance with setting up activities and cleaning up.
Qualifications:
- To be caring, patient and committed.
- To be able to maintain confidentiality.
- To have good communication and listening skills.
- A concern and care for older people.
Benefits:
- Opportunity to meet new people.
- Satisfaction of providing a needed service.
- Opportunity for personal and skills development.
Disability Community Transport
Assist people with physical disabilities who use wheelchairs on organised shopping trips and social activities and outings.
Friendly, caring people required to assist a community agency which organizes social and recreational outings for wheelchair-dependent adults in specially modified buses.
Trips are organized seven days a week, and occasionally evenings.
Volunteer as little as once a month or bi-monthly.
Each trip is about a full day.
Duties:
- Assist as a companion / carer, including pushing wheelchairs, assisting with shopping and at mealtime if required.
Qualifications:
- A strong commitment to working with people with disabilities.
- Flexible, reliable and caring with initiative.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Good communication and listening skills.
Benefits:
- Satisfaction of providing a much needed service.
- Opportunity to meet new people.
- Volunteer with a friend.
- See new places in and around Sydney.
- Have fun.
Yoga Class Assistance
Every Thursday during school terms (French Forest Area) a yoga class is organised for people with disabilities.
Duties:
- Assist a yoga participant when needed during the class.
Qualifications:
- A strong commitment to working with people with disabilities.
- Flexible, reliable and caring with initiative.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Good communication and listening skills.
- Fit and mobile
- Understanding of yoga or have done yoga yourself.
Benefits:
- The knowledge that you are contributing to the well being of another person.
- Opportunity to meet new people.
Gardening Service
Be part of a volunteer team to help convert clients' gardens to low maintenance and easy care. We work in the Willoughby, Mosman, North Sydney and Lane Cove local government areas.
Teams currently work in the mornings of Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Morning tea is provided and it is a good opportunity for the teams to socialise and get to know each other.
Our efforts help clients stay in their homes for as long as possible. For many people looking at a loved garden that is slowly running away from them can be the last straw.
Duties:
- Clearing of paths.
- Removal of overhanging branches or vines.
- Clearing around trees and shrubs.
- Mulching.
- General maintenance provided at six monthly intervals.
Qualifications:
- No gardening experience is required.
- Opportunity to work in a team.
- Enjoy being outdoors.
Benefits:
- Keep fit and have fun
- Be part of a team and make some new friends.
- Satisfaction of providing a much needed service.
Meals on Wheels
Work with a great team and help deliver meals for older people and people with disabilities. Both drivers and helpers needed.
This important service provides not only meals, but also a daily visit by friendly, caring volunteers who sometimes may be the only person the client speaks with all day. Volunteers also play a valuable role in passing on messages or concerns about a client to the Coordinator.
Drivers are currently urgently needed for the Crows Nest area, weekdays from 10.00am to 12.30pm.
Duties:
- About two hours - once a week, fortnightly, or monthly.
- Either be a driver or a helper.
- Deliver meals at lunchtimes, from Monday to Friday.
Qualifications:
- (For drivers), a current driver’s licence and use of a reliable car.
- Genuine concern and regard for older people and those with disabilities.
- Reasonable level of fitness.
- Flexibility and ability to deal with all types of weather.
- Reliability.
Benefits:
- Be part of a great team, opportunity to work with others.
- Satisfaction of helping others.
- Remuneration to drivers for petrol.
Home Visiting
Provide companionship and enhance the quality of life for isolated residents. A regular friendly visitor can make all the difference to the lives of some older people in our community.
Duties:
- Visit isolated older people in their own homes regularly, on a weekly or fortnightly basis.
- Share community activities with the resident.
- Assist in everyday tasks such as going for a walk, shopping, letter writing etc.
- Provide opportunities for the resident to enjoy and maintain some interests.
Qualifications:
- A concern and care for older people and people with disabilities.
- Be able to be patience, kind and committed.
- Exhibit good communication and listening skills.
- Willingness to undergo training.
Benefits:
- Opportunities to meet other people and make new friends.
- The knowledge that you are contributing to the well being of another person.
- Opportunities for training, personal and skill development.
Linen Service
Join a team once a fortnight to deliver clean linen and towels, change beds and chat to housebound residents.
Both drivers and helpers are needed. Drivers are urgently needed for the Crows Nest area.
This service is for frail older people and people with a disability who would find changing and washing bed linen and towels too difficult.
All clean linen is professionally laundered.
Volunteer drivers are given $5 - $8 per run to cover petrol costs.
Duties:
- Work in a team of two to visit 3-4 residents once a fortnight.
- Change bedroom and bathroom linen.
- Change towels.
- Talk to resident.
Qualifications:
- Drivers must have a current driver’s licence and a reliable registered car.
- Ability to work in a team.
- Have a genuine concern and care for older people and people with disabilities.
- Be mobile and fit.
Benefits:
- The satisfaction of providing a needed service in your community.
- Opportunity to meet people.
- To be part of a team.
Clerical / Admin Work
Some of the HACC Services need at times volunteer assistance with clerical work.
Qualifications:
- A basic level of administration and if possible some basic computer knowledge.
- Good communication and listening skills.
- Genuine concern and care for older people and people with disabilities.
Benefits:
- Opportunity to utilise current skills and learn new skills.
- Work as part of a team.
- The satisfaction of providing a needed service in your community.
Social Support Transport
Provide transport for elderly and physically challenged people who cannot access public transport to meet their appointments or do their shopping.
Social Support Transport runs have an average time commitment of 2 hours between 8:30am to 3:30pm Monday to Friday, with preference for the mornings.
There is currently a strong need for volunteers in the Crows Nest area.
Duties:
- Drive clients from their own home to their appointments and return when necessary.
Qualifications:
- Current Driver’s Licence
- Reliable registered vehicle which is accessible by clients
- Pleasant, caring personality
- Sensitive and aware of the needs of the older people clients and those with a disability.
Benefits:
- Helping elderly people feel more independent and providing essential service for those who can not access public transport to meet their appointments.
- The satisfaction of providing a needed service in your community.
- Connect with a team of volunteers.
- Remuneration to drivers for petrol.