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Individual volunteering

A volunteer joining residents for a craft activity at a Brotherhood aged care facility.

Current volunteering vacancies

Through volunteering with the Brotherhood, you can help us create an inclusive, just and sustainable society. Sharing your time, talents and networks, can make a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable Australians and also give you a great sense of satisfaction.

We always have volunteering opportunities for which you don’t need qualifications, and others for which more specialised skills are required. Let us know the areas you are most passionate about and the talents you’d like to share. We’re committed to matching your interests with our activities.

Please take the time to look at our current volunteering vacancies below, or if you would like to discuss your specialist skills with us, phone (03) 9483 1390 or email us at volunteer@nullbsl.org.au .

Current volunteering vacancies

Administration Assistant

REPORTING TO: Saver Plus Coordinator
LOCATION: Connie Benn Centre 160 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
HOURS: 4 hours per week during business hours - negotiable
DATES: Ongoing

The Brotherhood of St Laurence currently runs a number of programs that seek to promote financial inclusion. Financial Inclusion can be defined as all Australians having access to mainstream, affordable and appropriate financial services and having the opportunity to build assets.

Saver Plus aims to increase the levels of savings of people on lower incomes and help people build a long term savings habit. The program empowers people to achieve their savings goals and to develop the skills to help them build a financial base for the future.

We are currently seeking a enthusiastic volunteer with excellent attention to detail and exceptional customer service skills to provide administrative and customer service support to the Saver Plus program.

Duties:

Accurately update databases and excel spreadsheets with information collected from participants and stakeholders as required by the program
Provide general administrative support including word processing, mail merges for mail outs, file management and photocopying
Respond to phone enquiries in a positive, friendly and informative manner
Provide follow up phone calls to potential participants checking eligibility for the Saver Plus program
Undertake internet research in order to update stakeholder files and gather information for mail outs.

Requirements:

Good computer literacy skills, data-entry and keyboard skills
Good time management skills along with strong attention to detail and accuracy
Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to advise and liaise across all levels of BSL and external organisations
Ability to liaise with people from varying social and economic backgrounds
Ability to perform wide range of administration roles under supervision
Understanding of and sympathy with the values and ideals of the BSL
Willingness to undergo and obtain a satisfactory Police Check

For further information please call Volunteer Services on (03) 9483 1390 or to apply please email your expression of interest detailing your relevant experience (or resume) to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au

Donation Sorter

REPORTING TO: Store Manager
LOCATION: 25 Brunswick Road, Brunswick East
HOURS: Shifts available Monday to Saturday during business hours
DATES: Ongoing

The Sorting Facility supports the Brotherhood’s Retail Stores Group through the collection and sorting of donated products. The retail network was originally started as a fundraising venture to support and subsidise the community work associated with the Brotherhood’s vision of an Australia Free of Poverty.

We urgently require committed volunteers to assist with the first sort of ‘raw’ donations.

Duties:

Sort donations according to category and quality

Requirements:

Physically fit
Able to identify clothing genders
Able to read and write and follow instructions
Willingness to undergo a police check
Enthusiasm, reliability and commitment to the objectives of the Retail Group and the Brotherhood of St Laurence.

Time commitment can be as little as half a day a week, with training provided in a friendly and supportive environment. Ideally we are seeking volunteers who are able to commit on a regular weekly basis.

Please call Volunteer Services on 9483 1390, or email volunteer@nullbsl.org.au to register your interest.

Visual Merchandiser
REPORTING TO: Store Manager
LOCATION: 109 Brunswick Road, Brunswick, 3056
HOURS: Negotiable: Mon-Sun, business hours
DATES: Ongoing

The first Brotherhood of St Laurence opportunity shop was opened in 1938 in Fitzroy, and today we have 21 community stores operating across Melbourne and Geelong, serving the same purpose as 80 years ago. As well as selling low-cost goods to families and bargain-hunters and raising much-needed funds for our charity's work, the stores also offer job pathway opportunities and a place for community connection.

We currently require volunteers to assist the Store Manager in the up keep and visual presentation of the store.

Duties:

Planning and installing Visual Merchandising concepts

Window dressing
Mannequin dressing
Colour blocking
In store merchandising and general maintenance.

Requirements:

Extreme passion, interest and knowledge in fashion, current trends, vintage and bric-a-brac
Physically fit
Creative
Experience or training in the field of Visual Merchandising
Able to identify clothing genders and styles
Able to follow instructions
Enthusiasm, reliability and commitment to the objectives of the Retail Group (HG) and the Brotherhood of St Laurence
Willingness to undergo a police check
Understanding of and sympathy with the values and ideals of the Brotherhood.

Time commitment can be as little as half a day a week, with training provided in a friendly and supportive environment.

For further information please call Volunteer Services on 9483 1390, or to apply email your expression of interest to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au

Driver (22- or 35-seater bus)
REPORTING TO: ReSource Coordinator: Chenai Mupotsa
LOCATION: African Australian Community Centre: Pickett Street, Footscray
HOURS: Tuesdays, 9:30am - 12:30pm
DATES: 7th May - 4th June 2013, as required

The African Australian Community Centre (AACC) builds on the reputation of the Brotherhood’s specialist refugee centre, the Ecumenical Migration Centre (EMC). As a partnership between the Brotherhood and the Anglican Parish of Footscray, the AACC seeks to build the leadership capacity of the local African community to ensure they have full access to resources, services and opportunities in Australia.

We are currently seeking a driver to share this role, in supporting our Community Service Volunteering Program (CSVP).

This program introduces young refugees and migrants to the concept and benefits of volunteering via ‘taster’ activities. The young people are taken on site visits where they experience a range of volunteer activities within the community service sector.

Participants will be collected from Victoria University, and driven to various locations including Fitzroy, Brunswick and North Melbourne. Should you wish to, you would also be welcome to participate in the various excursions.

Duties include:

Driving safely, in accordance with road laws and the Brotherhood's Fleet Policy

Requirements:

Minimum of a full, clean Light Rigid (LR) vehicle driving licence
Accreditation to drive a commercial passenger vehicle and private bus
A genuine commitment and interest in working with young people from diverse backgrounds
Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to work well with others and take instruction
Willingness to undergo a police check, and working with children check
Understanding of and commitment to the values and ideals of the Brotherhood.

For further information please call Volunteer Services on 03 9483 1390, or to apply email your resume and expression of interest to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au

No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) - Administrator

REPORTING TO: Microfinance Manager - Greta
LOCATION: 145 Smith St, Fitzroy
HOURS: 7.5 hours per week on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday negotiable
DATES: Ongoing - 12 month minimum commitment

The No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) offers no-interest loans of up to $1000 to people on low incomes for the purchase of essential goods and services. The scheme is administered by Good Shepherd Microfinance in partnership with NAB and delivered by over 220 community organisations throughout Australia. Much of the delivery of NILS relies on the dedication of its volunteers.

The role of the NILS administrator is to support the Microfinance Volunteer to provide NILS. Their role is to manage NILS back-office functions, including repayments and entering and exiting loans from the NILS database, arrears, as well as other administrative tasks. They will need to be reliable and strive to service customers with integrity, honesty and care. The NILS administrator will contribute towards the sustainability of NILS by keeping accurate records about NILS repayment history and demonstrating high repayment rates.

Opportunities for development and networking will be offered, such as attendance of network meetings, forums and training. It is desirable that the successful applicant commit to the role for a minimum of 12 months to maximise the benefits of experience and training available in the role.

Duties:

Monitoring and reconciling NILS and Progress Loan repayments
Liaising with Finance and Accounts Department regarding reconciliation and any arrears
Negotiate variations to repayment schedule as required
Keeping NILS database and hard copy files up-to-date
Issue statements on a six monthly basis
Finalise repaid NILS and send congratulatory letter and statement
Manage NILS hard-copy files, including the creation of new files
Reporting on end-of-month figures and collating six-monthly reports for the Microfinance Manager

Requirements:

A satisfactory Police Check
A sound understanding of financial concepts, basic book-keeping skills would be highly regarded
Good computer literacy skills, data-entry and keyboard skills as well as some familiarity with databases (Access, CRM systems)
Good time management skills along with strong attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to work both collaboratively and independently as required
Well-developed interpersonal skills including the capacity to build rapport with the program's low income customers and service them with respect and empathy and negotiate where required
Ability to liaise and advise across all levels of the organisation and externally as required
Understanding of and sympathy with the values and ideals of the BSL
Relevant qualifications and/or experience in microfinance, finance sector or community development would be highly regarded

For further information or a position description please call Volunteer Services on 03 9483 1390 or to apply email your expression of interest / cover letter and resume to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au

Homework Club Tutor - Frankston

Reporting to: Homework and Learning Club Coordinator
Location: High Street, Frankston
Hours: 3.45 p.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesdays (during school semester)
Date: Ongoing during school terms

The Homework and Learning Club program is a joint initiative of Peninsula Youth Connections, Woodleigh School and The New Hope Foundation that aims to provide young refugee people with a supportive environment where they can work and receive school tuition in all subject areas.

Many of the students participating in the program will have had interrupted formal education experiences prior to arrival in Australia and will require broad and holistic support to continue participation in school and further education.

We are currently seeking volunteers to act as tutors in the Homework and Learning Club. The tutor’s role will be to deliver tutorial assistance to the young people in the program in a supportive manner that fosters relationships and increases the likelihood of the young people having a positive experience in school and further education.

Requirements:

Tertiary level education, teaching background - Early Childhood, Primary School or EAL teaching experience preferred
Be able to participate in and coordinate group activities aimed at building relationships and increasing literacy and numeracy skills
A satisfactory police check and Working with Children Check
An understanding and empathy with the values and ideals of the Homework and Learning Club

For further information about the position please phone Jeanette Kaindel at Woodleigh School on (03) 5971 6100 or email jkaindel@nullwoodleigh.vic.edu.au

E-newsletter coordinator

REPORTING TO: School Hubs Engagement & Development Worker - Kristie Dunn LOCATION: Flexible - offsite or onsite based in Craigieburn
HOURS: 4-6 hours per fortnight
DATES: Ongoing

The E-newsletter coordinator will support the School Hubs project by producing a fortnightly e-newsletter for hub schools outlining partnerships opportunities and upcoming community events. The role will involve liaising with schools and community organisations, compiling relevant information about local events and writing brief summaries for the e-newsletter.

The ideal volunteer would be familiar with the Craigieburn community and keen to support the development of community within Craigieburn.

Duties:

Scope appropriate format for newsletter
Research different e-newsletter options
Determine appropriate format and platform for newsletter in consultation with Hubs Development Worker
Source information about local community events from community organisations and relevant websites
Liaise with hubs worker about content and compile database of flyers and links
Write brief summaries of events and opportunities and compile newsletter
Format e-newsletter
Coordinate distribution to partners.

Requirements:

Excellent computer literacy
Experience designing and compiling e-newsletters preferred and/or strong motivation to develop those skills
Familiarity with relevant platforms preferred and/or strong motivation to develop that familiarity
Knowledge of local Craigieburn school and community networks and interest in community development preferred
Understanding of and sympathy with the values and ideals of the Brotherhood.

For further information please call Volunteer Services on 03 9483 1390 or to apply email us with your expression of interest detailing your appropriate skills to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au

Tester and Tagger

REPORTING TO: Logistics Manager or Store Manager
LOCATION: Croydon, Brunswick, Deer Park, Bentleigh, Moonee Ponds
HOURS: M - F (business hours) and / or weekends depending on location
DATES: Short term or ongoing - negotiable

The Retail Stores Group is part of the Social Enterprises Division which works to provide revenue for the invaluable client services, advocacy and research work undertaken by the Brotherhood of St Laurence. Our social enterprises also encourage and promote environmental sustainability through recycling.

The Sorting Facility supports the Brotherhood’s Retail Stores Group through the collection and sorting of donated products.

We currently need enthusiastic volunteers to prepare white goods and small electrical items for sale in our retail stores.

Duties:

Clean and prepare all white goods and electrical equipment for sale
Move and organise electrical goods in a safe manner
Attend to the sorting and disposing of waste product
Ensure department work areas are kept clean and OH&S compliant
Test and tag electrical items and prepare for orders

Requirements:

Able to work autonomously and as part of a team
Ability to follow instructions and work within policy and procedures
Strong understanding of O.H & S practices
Manual Handling Certificate desirable
Testing and Tagging Licence
Understanding of and sympathy with the values and ideals of the BSL
Willingness to undergo and obtain a satisfactory police check

Time commitment can be as little as half a day a week, with training provided in a friendly and supportive environment.

For further information please call Volunteer Services on 9483 1390, or to apply email your expression of interest to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au

General Hand

REPORTING TO: Logistics Manager
LOCATION: Brunswick East and various other locations
HOURS: Business hours and weekends depending on location
DATES: Short term or ongoing - negotiable

Clean and prepare all white goods and electrical equipment for sale
Move and organise electrical goods in a safe manner
Attend to the sorting and disposing of waste product
Ensure department work areas are kept clean and OH&S compliant

Requirements:

Able to work autonomously and as part of a team
Ability to follow instructions and work within policy and procedures
Strong understanding of O.H & S practices
Manual Handling Certificate desirable
Understanding of and sympathy with the values and ideals of the BSL
Willingness to undergo and obtain a satisfactory police check

Time commitment can be as little as half a day a week, with training provided in a friendly and supportive environment.

For further information please call Volunteer Services on 9483 1390, or to apply email your expression of interest to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au

Local Fundraiser - Craigieburn School Hubs

REPORTING TO: School Hubs Engagement & Development Worker - Kristie Dunn
LOCATION: Craigieburn
HOURS: Project based - flexible between 10 -20 hours
DATES: April - June

The Local Fundraiser will support the School Hubs project by sourcing sponsorship from local businesses and corporate sponsors. A brief has been prepared outlining the requirements for set up costs for the hubs (noticeboards, signage, furniture et cetera) as well as for catering and child care for community events.

This position will involve contacting potential sponsors and negotiating sponsorship arrangements to cover these costs.

The ideal candidate will be familiar with the Craigieburn community and keen to support the development of the community within Craigieburn.

Duties:

Finalise brief for sponsors
Scope and contact potential sponsors in local community
Negotiate sponsorship agreements

Requirements:

Capacity to engage effectively with corporate and community partners
Capacity to develop strong relationships and negotiate sponsorship agreements
Capacity to work independently yet in accordance with agreed parameters
Strong word processing and email skills
Knowledge of local Craigieburn school and community networks and interest in community development preferred
Understanding of needs of Craigieburn Hubs project
Understanding of and sympathy with the values and ideals of the BSL.

For further information please call Volunteer Services on 03 9483 1390 or to apply email us with your expression of interest detailing your appropriate skills and resume (optional) to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au

Receptionist

REPORTING TO: Administration Officer - Debbie
LOCATION: African Australian Community Centre - Pickett Street, Footscray
HOURS: 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. shifts available Monday to Friday
DATES: Ongoing - 6 month commitment

We are currently seeking a confident and reliable volunteer to assist the Administration Officer with the day to day operations and to attend to the reception area.

Duties include:

Prompt and appropriate responses to internal and external enquiries via telephone, fax or in person, including interpreting services as required
Ensuring the reception area is welcoming and responsive and maintained in a well organised manner at all times
Administration support including, faxing, photocopying, typing, incoming and outgoing mail
Actively contributing and collaborating on ideas for the continuous improvement of reception and administration functions

Requirements:

Good communication and interpersonal skills
Basic administration and reception skills required, further training will be provided to the right applicant
Must be willing to undergo a police check and Working with Children check
An understanding and empathy with the values and ideals of the Brotherhood of St Laurence.
Ability to speak an African language, particularly Dinka would be a bonus.

For further information please call Volunteer Services on 03 9483 1390, or to apply email your resume and expression of interest to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au

Furniture Jockeys & Furniture Retail Assistants - Brunswick
REPORTING TO: Store Manager
LOCATION: 109 Brunswick Road, Brunswick
HOURS: ½ to full day shift available (Monday to Sunday)
DATE: Ongoing

The large format Brunswick Community Store sells good quality recycled clothing including our Hunter Gatherer range of vintage product as well as shoes, books, manchester, furniture and fridges.

We are currently seeking furniture jockeys and retail assistants to attend to the furniture section of the store and provide quality customer service.

Duties include:

Keeping the furniture area clean and tidy
Assisting with sales by attending to customers
Cooperating with colleagues to enhance the team effort
Loading and unloading deliveries and pickups from the store (Jockey)
Moving / placing furniture around the store as directed (Jockey)

Requirements:

High quality people skills, communication skills and the ability to work well in a team
Sensitivity to the needs of people from various economic, social and cultural backgrounds
Enthusiasm, reliability and commitment to the objectives of the store and the Brotherhood of St Laurence
Willingness to undergo a Police Check
Physically fit and able to move furniture around the store in a safe manner (Jockey)
Awareness of and the ability to learn Occupational Health and Safety, and manual handling procedures

Time commitment can be as little as half a day a week with training provided in a friendly and supported environment.

For further information about the position please phone Volunteer Services on (03) 9483 1390 or email your expression of interest to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au . Please specify your availability.

iPad Tutor

Reporting to: Social Inclusion Program Coordinator (Northern)
Location: Sunbury
Hours: Negotiable – approximately 2 hours a fortnight
Date: Ongoing – Short term

The Social Inclusion Program assists older people and people with disabilities maintain connections to family, friends, neighbours and the wider community as a strategy for improving health and wellbeing.

The program is committed to assisting people pursue their recreational and learning goals by providing access to interest or hobby groups that can improve self esteem, confidence and create pleasurable opportunities to connect with like minded peers.

We are currently seeking volunteers to provide individualised iPad computer training and support on an as needs basis.

Duties include:

Meeting clients in a mutually agreed place to establish requirements of training according to needs and interest
Facilitate training sessions for participants such as showing them how to use the iPad, understand the different settings, downloading and using different Apps and surfing the Internet
Preparing instruction documents for participants to reinforce learning
Provide regular feedback to the Social Inclusion Coordinator about client progress or issues
Liaising with coordinator regarding issues pertaining to the steering and development of the program

Requirements:

Significant experience in using an iPad
Privacy and confidentiality ensuring clients keep their usernames and passwords safe and protected.
A genuine commitment and ability to work with older people or those with a disability, to facilitate their learning and development in relation to computer activities
Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills
A current Victorian Driver Licence
Understanding of and sympathy with the values and ideals of the BSL
A satisfactory Police Check

For further information about the position phone Volunteer Services on (03) 9483 1390 or email your expression of interest and resume (optional) to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au.

Mentor - Valuable Education for Life and Success (VELS)

REPORTING TO: Futures Club Coordinator
LOCATION: Fitzroy Library – Moor Street, Fitzroy
HOURS: 3 hours per fortnight minimum during school semesters
DATES: Ongoing – minimum 9 month commitment required

The Valuable Education for Life and Success (VELS) Mentoring program is designed to assist regular participants of the Brotherhood’s Futures Club Homework Centre to build connections within the greater community around their educational and potential career pathway opportunities, through the provision of a suitable mentor, as well as life and career skills workshops.

The mentor’s role is to provide practical assistance with academic school work, identifying future potential career and employment pathways, and the provision of support and guidance in establishing and maintaining workplace connections within the greater community.

Duties include:

Support the mentee with educational and career aspirations through the provision of tutoring / mentoring, and working together to develop a career and educational pathway
Assist with resume writing, goal clarification, research into educational and employment pathways
Accurately keep records of all interactions with mentee in a log book: including visits (face to face), phone conversations, text messages, and submit on a monthly basis.
Attend regular meetings (tutoring / mentoring sessions) with the mentee as well as attend mentor training, supervision sessions and meetings as required
Following relevant policies, procedures and guidelines.

Requirements:

Ability to assist mentee with their self-identified educational and tutoring needs
Ability to tutor year 11 and 12 VCE Physical Education, math and science based subjects are highly regarded
Well developed interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability and willingness to relate to youth, and people from different cultures in a community and educational setting
Knowledge and understanding of refugee and settlement issues, and its impact on education
Experience or knowledge of working with young people who have English as an additional language
Ability to work both in a one to one and group setting with the mentee
Understanding of and commitment to the values and ideals of the BSL
Well developed understanding and demonstration of personal and professional boundaries
Understanding of current school curriculum and career pathways would be beneficial.

For further information please call Volunteer Services on 03 9483 1390, or to apply email your expression of interest and most recent CV to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au

Activities Assistant - Woodwork and Maintenance

REPORTING TO: Banksia Program Coordinator – Amira
LOCATION: Frankston and Carrum Downs
HOURS: Thursdays 9.00 a.m. - 2.30 p.m.
DATE: Ongoing

Banksia Services provide practical support and respite care to enhance the quality of life of older people who are isolated in the community.

The activities at Banksia have a social focus and include art and music therapy, active mind games, gardening and outdoor pursuits. The weekly Men’s Shed program gives men a chance to work together with timber and tools.

We are currently seeking a suitable volunteer to assist staff with the implementation of the Men’s Shed program. The volunteer will engage, support and empower members to build on their capacity and also be available to assist with small maintenance matters.

Duties include:

Support staff to facilitate Men’s Shed program
Engage, support, empower and build on members capacity in the Men’s Shed
Inform the Program Coordinator or Team Leader of any issues as they arise
Assist staff where required
Assist with the building maintenance issues as agreed to by the Program Coordinator.

Requirements:

A genuine commitment and interest in working with the elderly
Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to work well with others and take instruction
Knowledge and skill in wood working and the safe use of tools
Understanding of and sympathy with the values and ideals of the Brotherhood
A Satisfactory Police Check.

For further information about the position, please phone Volunteer Services on (03) 9483 1390 or email your expression of interest and resume (optional) to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au

Sorter / Packer for hunter gatherer (HG)
REPORTING TO: Sorting Facility Manager and HG Store Managers
LOCATION: 25 Brunswick Road, Brunswick East
*Some training may take place in-store in Fitzroy or St Kilda
HOURS: Flexible: Mon - Fri, business hours
DATES: Ongoing

The Sorting Facility supports the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s community stores, through the collection and sorting of donated products. The retail network was started as a fundraising venture to support and subsidise the community work associated with the Brotherhood’s vision of an Australia Free of Poverty.

hunter gatherer is an initiative of the Brotherhood of St Laurence. Set up to sell the best vintage and ‘’on trend’’ clothes, handpicked from donations. There are currently three hunter gatherer stores located in Melbourne City, Fitzroy and St Kilda.

We are currently seeking enthusiastic and committed volunteers to assist with the sorting and separation of vintage, on trend clothing and bric a brac from ‘raw’ donations.

Duties include:

Sorting and packing of ‘HG’ donations:

Sorting donations according to category and quality
Packing and allocating the sorted stock into the appropriate areas
Ability to recognize HG items
Familiarising and understanding of the different needs across all HG stores.

Requirements:

Extreme passion, interest and knowledge in fashion, current trends, vintage and bric-a-brac
Able to identify vintage, on trend fashions, retro, kitsch
Physically fit
Able to identify clothing genders
Able to read and write and follow instructions
Enthusiasm, reliability and commitment to the objectives of the Brotherhood community stores (HG) and the Brotherhood of St Laurence
Understanding of hunter gatherer stores
Understanding of and sympathy with the values and ideals of the Brotherhood.

Time commitment can be as little as half a day a week, with full training provided in a friendly and supportive environment.

For further information about the position please call Volunteer Services on 03 9483 1390, or email your expression of interest and resume (optional) to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au

Driver (Transit Van / 12 Seater) x 3
REPORTING TO: Banksia Program Coordinators
LOCATION: Carrum Downs or Frankston
HOURS: Mondays (CD), Tues (F) and Thurs (F) from 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
DATE: Ongoing

Banksia Day & Respite programs in Carrum Downs and Frankston provide social support for older people and those with a disability who are experiencing social isolation. The program offers leisure programs that promote friendship and personal development.

We are currently seeking volunteer drivers to assist with the safe pick-up and delivery of clients to and from activities.

Duties include:

Following the Banksia Transport Procedures
Checking and maintaining the vehicle with oil, water and fuel each week
Examining the bus for dents, scratches and/or any damage and report the faults to the Program Coordinator
Assist the jockey or activity support worker to load clients, walkers and wheelchairs into the bus
Ensure that all walkers and wheelchairs are securely fastened
Ensure that passengers are assisted into and from the bus as required.

Requirements:

Experience in driving a 12 seater bus / transit van desirable
A genuine commitment and interest in working with the elderly
Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to work well with others and take instruction
Understanding of and commitment to the values and ideals of the BSL
A satisfactory police check
A satisfactory driver check / test.

For further information about the position or to apply phone Volunteer Services on (03) 9483 1390 or email your expression of interest to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au

Activity Coordinator - Gardening Project
REPORTING TO: Banksia Program Coordinator – Amira
LOCATION: 65 Williams Road, Carrum Downs
HOURS: 4 hours per week on a Monday
DATE: Ongoing

Banksia Day Programs in Carrum Downs provides social support for older people and those with a disability who are experiencing social isolation.

The program offers leisure programs that promote friendship and personal development.They include art and music therapy, active mind games, gardening and outdoor pursuits. A weekly Men’s Shed program gives men a chance to work together with timber and tools.

We are currently seeking a suitable volunteer with horticultural knowledge to lead a gardening program that supports staff and members in developing, using and maintaining a community garden.

Ideally you will be able to lead the development of an aesthetically pleasing, edible, sensory garden as well as be able to encourage members to be engaged with the cultivation and use of the vegetation.

Requirements:

Horticultural knowledge / gardening experience
Ability to be able to lead activities
Interest in engaging elderly members in gardening activities
Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills
Understanding of and sympathy with the values and ideals of the BSL
A Satisfactory Police Check.

For further information about the position phone Volunteer Services on (03) 9483 1390 or email your expression of interest to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au

Shop Assistant - Community Stores

REPORTING TO: Store Manager
LOCATIONS: Various - see below
HOURS: Mon - Sun, business hours
DATES: Ongoing

Bentleigh
Brunswick
Croydon
Deer Park
Eltham
Glen Huntly
Greensborough
Grovedale
Ivanhoe
Knox *Urgent need for Sundays*
Melbourne City
Moonee Ponds
Mount Waverley
Northcote
Ormond
Pakenham
Seaford *Urgent need for Fridays and Saturdays*
Watsonia

Click here for Community Store address and opening hours.

Better known as the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s op shops, our community stores sell donated furniture, clothing and other household items. Our stores in Brunswick, Croydon, Deer Park, Geelong and Moonee Ponds also stock white goods. As well as selling low-cost goods to families and bargain hunters, they also offer a place for community connection.

The Retail Stores Group is part of the Social Enterprises Division of the Brotherhood of St Laurence, which works to provide revenue for the invaluable client services, advocacy and research work undertaken by the Brotherhood of St Laurence. Our social enterprises also encourage and promote environmental sustainability through recycling.

We are currently seeking enthusiastic and committed volunteers to provide a high-quality customer service experience to the public, and to support paid and volunteer staff in the day-to-day operations of the store.

Duties include:

Welcoming customers into the shop, and assisting with any specific needs
Sorting, cleaning, tagging, pricing, merchandising, selling, and ordering stock
Ensuring all areas are clean including selling area, sorting area, delivery area, bathroom, kitchen and footpath
High-level customer service
Cooperating with colleagues to enhance the team effort.

Requirements:

High-quality people skills, communication skills and the ability to work well in a team
Sensitivity to the needs of people from various economic, social and cultural backgrounds
Interest in retail and recycled goods preferred
Enthusiasm, reliability, an interest in and commitment to the objectives of the store and the Brotherhood of St Laurence
Understanding of and sympathy with the values and ideals of the Brotherhood
Commit to regular weekly or fortnightly shifts for a minimum of 3 months
Willingness to undergo a Police Check.

Time commitment can be as little as half a day a week, with full training provided in a friendly and supportive environment.

For further information about the position please call Volunteer Services on 03 9483 1390, or email your expression of interest and resume (optional) to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au specifying which store location would best suit you.

Shop Assistant - hunter gatherer

REPORTING TO: Store Manager
LOCATIONS: Various - see below
HOURS: Mon - Sun, business hours
DATES: Ongoing

Fitzroy - 274 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Melbourne City - Royal Arcade, Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne

When it comes to all things vintage, Hunter Gatherer stands out from the pack. Every frock, blouse, handbag, skirt, coat, trouser, hat and shoe at Hunter Gatherer is specially handpicked from the hundreds of thousands of wardrobe items donated each year to the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s 23 community stores across Victoria.

Hunter Gather is part of the Social Enterprises Division of the Brotherhood of St Laurence, which works to provide revenue for the invaluable client services, advocacy and research work undertaken by the Brotherhood of St Laurence. Our social enterprises also encourage and promote environmental sustainability through recycling.

Duties include:

Welcoming customers into the shop, and assisting with any specific needs
Sorting, cleaning, tagging, pricing, merchandising, selling, and ordering stock
Ensuring all areas are clean including selling area, sorting area, delivery area, bathroom, kitchen and footpath
High-level customer service
Cooperating with colleagues to enhance the team effort.

Requirements:

High-quality people skills, communication skills and the ability to work well in a team
Sensitivity to the needs of people from various economic, social and cultural backgrounds
Interest in retail and recycled goods preferred
Enthusiasm, reliability, an interest in and commitment to the objectives of the store and the Brotherhood of St Laurence
Understanding of and sympathy with the values and ideals of the Brotherhood
Commit to regular weekly or fortnightly shifts for a minimum of 3 months
Willingness to undergo a Police Check.

Time commitment can be as little as half a day a week with training provided in a friendly and supportive environment.

Click here for Community Store address and opening hours.

Book Specialist - Shop Assistant

REPORTING TO: Store Manager
LOCATION: Croydon, Moonee Ponds or Brunswick
HOURS: During store opening hours
DATES: Ongoing

The Retail Stores Group is part of the Social Enterprises Division. The retail network was originally started as a fundraising venture to support and subsidise the community work associated with the Brotherhood’s vision of an Australia Free of Poverty.

We are currently looking for volunteer, book-specific shop assistants to act as Book Specialist in one of our retail stores. This will be an important liaison role between the Brotherhood Books head office and the retail store.

Duties include:

Pricing, categorising, shelving and tidying books
Ensuring all areas of the store are kept clean and tidy
Assisting customers as required.

Requirements:

An interest in or experience with books preferred, but not essential as full training will be provided
High-quality people skills, communication skills and the ability to work well in a team
Sensitivity to the needs of people from various economic, social and cultural backgrounds
Enthusiasm, reliability and commitment to the objectives of the store and the Brotherhood of St Laurence
Understanding of and sympathy with the values and ideals of the BSL
Willingness to undergo a Police Check

Time commitment can be as little as half a day a week, with full training provided in a friendly and supportive environment.

For further information about the position please call Volunteer Services on 03 9483 1390 or email your expression of interest to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au.

Activity Companions (Northern)

Reporting to: Social Inclusion Program Coordinator
Location: Preston, Northcote and other Northern Suburbs

Activity: Movie Group

Hours: Approximately 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 3rd Monday every month

Activity: Morning Cuppa Group

Hours: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Every 2nd Thursday in Thomastown

Supporting the supervisor in the facilitation of a small group of Brotherhood clients
Providing conversation and companionship to participants who are often socially isolated and lonely to ensure clients have a positive experience
Assisting clients with their individual needs including purchasing tickets / food, getting in and out of transport
Collecting and recording donations, completing attendance sheets.

Job requirements:

A high degree of professionalism and effective interpersonal skills in order to be able to communicate effectively with BSL clients, staff and stake holders
Ability to be flexible, to be able to work as part of a team and autonomously
Be sensitive to the needs of people from different economic, social and cultural backgrounds
Understanding of Brotherhood of St Laurence, mission, values and objectives
A commitment to the social inclusion program goals and principles
A commitment to working with older people and enhancing quality of life
Ability to use initiative and be responsive in situations
Willingness to undergo a police check.

For further information about the position phone Volunteer Services on (03) 9483 1390 or email your expression of interest and resume to volunteer@nullbsl.org.au.

Building Better Lives

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