Parent Support volunteers

The Program

Baptcare's Home-Start program is a parent support program that offers face-to-face & virtual support to new & vulnerable parents with children under the age of 5.

The program aims to reduce isolation for vulnerable families and build support networks for parents and their children.

The Role

We are in need of volunteers in the Greater City of Bendigo & Macedon Ranges to support our local community. Are you our next volunteer?

Baptcare’s Home-Start volunteers share our passion, commitment and support for young families. Our volunteers come from all walks of life and backgrounds and include retirees, part-time workers, stay-at-home parents, and skilled professionals. We know you understand just how hard it can be to raise a young family. Our parents need someone who can provide one-on-one support.

In your role, you would offer emotional encouragement, someone to share with, who can normalise and support their parenting journey. You are given the opportunity to provide practical help such as:

• Engaging and playing with children
• Connecting with the local community
• Support with activities, such as, going to the park or attending playgroups
• Or being an extra pair of hands for small jobs at home (e.g. folding washing, toy tidy-up, washing or drying dishes)

Your role would be for up to 2 hours a week (weekdays between 8am to 6pm, as negotiated with the family)

All our volunteers undertake a preparation course. This free, no-obligation course allows you to learn how the program works and how we will support you to have a meaningful and engaging experience. It’s a fantastic opportunity for you to discover if this is the volunteering role for you.

Essential

• Parenting and caregiving knowledge
• Good communication skills
• Satisfactory National Criminal History Check (Baptcare cover the cost through our preferred provider)
• Current Working with Children check (support to register, if needed. Free for volunteers)
• Successful reference checks
• Complete a Statutory Declaration (where applicable)

Desirable

• Reliable transport

We Value our Volunteers – Here’s what’s in it for you:

Please note volunteer roles are unpaid; however, our wonderful volunteers can receive benefits such as;

• Inclusion in our Reward and Recognition Program
• Technology Discounts through Dell and Microsoft
• Discounted Health Insurance
• Wellness Assistance Program (WAP), including counselling services through Converge International
• We provide a combination of online and face to face training & induction
• Attend special events such as morning/afternoon teas, wellness and cultural days, and so much more!

If this sounds like you, then come and experience being part of an incredible team, apply now or contact Jane at [email protected] for further information.

Applications close on June 10, enquire today.

*Baptcare acknowledges the traditional owners of the lands on which we work, their spiritual heritage, living culture, connection to community and to Elders, past and present.

We celebrate diversity, providing a secure, inclusive, and culturally sensitive environment for individuals of all backgrounds, beliefs, abilities, orientation, or identities.

Baptcare is a child-safe organisation. We take action to promote child wellbeing and prevent harm to children and young people. We ensure our staff and volunteers are responsible for child safety across all areas of our work.

Baptcare (VIC, TAS) is proud to be working towards uniting with BaptistCare (NSW, ACT, WA) and Baptist Care SA, to create a newly merged national care organisation committed to providing exceptional support and services across Australia. Together, we are building on a shared history of care and compassion, expanding our reach, and strengthening our mission to help people live well with dignity and purpose.*