Volunteer Program
There are two parts to the Volunteer Program:
- Volunteer Training Program – These sessions include effective communication skills, information on hepatitis A, B, and C, anti-viral treatment, psychosocial issues, issues associated with injecting drug use, and making referrals. It is a requirement that ALL training sessions are attended.
- Volunteer staff have the opportunity to participate in reception duties, the Hepatitis Helpline and the NSP which operate HepatitisWA’s premises, and have the opportunity to participate in health promotion events in the community. Volunteer staff are expected to complete a minimum of one (4 hour) shift per fortnight. There will be occasions when volunteer staff are approached to do additional shifts to cover colleagues’ sick leave, holidays, etc. The shifts available are 9.00 am – 1.00 pm and 1.00 pm – 5.00 pm Monday to Friday. After 3 months, all new volunteer staff will have an opportunity to reflect on their time volunteering with the Volunteer Coordinator. Supervision is also provided. At the end of 12 months, volunteer staff are invited to meet with the NSP/Volunteer Coordinator to reflect on their experiences and feed this back.
Telephone Information and Support Line volunteer duties include:
- Engaging with clients who access our Needle and Syringe Project (NSP)
- Recording and compiling statistics related to interaction with NSP clients
- Maintaining NSP stock – making up harm reduction kits
- Answering Helpline calls/Recording call information and compiling statistics
- Sending out printed resources to clients
- Providing information and support to clients who may ‘walk-in’ to the office
- Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of viral hepatitis
- Undertaking other tasks consistent with the position as required by the NSP/Volunteer Coordinator
People interested in applying to be a volunteer must have:
- A non-judgmental and open-minded attitude towards injecting drug use and people who inject drugs
- Well-developed interpersonal skills
- The ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds
- The ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- A commitment to supervision sessions and in-service training
- A commitment to the values and goals of HepatitisWA
Applications will be short-listed and suitable applicants will be invited for an interview. All applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application and will be able to access feedback if required.
If you have any enquiries about the Program please contact Pete Townsend on 9227 9802 or [email protected]
