Position Description

Position

Volunteer for the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) (Friends For Older People)

Place of work

A designated Aged Care Home (ACH).

Objective

To provide a regular, one to one volunteer visit to a socially isolated resident of an ACH whose quality of life would be improved by friendship and companionship.

Key tasks

• Visit a designated resident in an ACH on a regular basis (at least once a fortnight).
• Respect the rights of residents including confidentiality, privacy and maintain dignity.
• Exercise a duty of care at all times.
• Provide a record of visits to the coordinator once a month.
• Inform the coordinator if experiencing any difficulties with visiting.
• Notify the coordinator of any accident or incident that occurs whilst visiting.
• Notify the coordinator if intending to cease involvement either on a temporary or permanent basis.
• Adhere to MS Australia - ACT/NSW/VIC policies.
• Adhere to the policies and procedures of the designated ACH.
• Notify the ACH, if unable to attend as arranged.
• Attend ongoing training, provided by MS Australia - ACT/NSW/VIC, on a regular basis.

Skills required

• A commitment to building and sustaining a friendship with an older isolated person over an extended period of time.
• A demonstrated genuine empathy and understanding of older people.
• Demonstrated reliability and flexibility.
• Effective communication and listening skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Preparedness to seek advice, as appropriate.

For more information, please contact:

Clare Doyle CVS Coordinator MS VIC The Nerve Centre 54 Railway Road Blackburn, VIC 3130 Phone: (03) 9845 2720 Fax: (03) 9845 2777 Email: cadoyle@mssociety.com.au