Companion Aged Care Volunteer - BaptistCare (Spanish, Italian, Polish and Vietnamese speaking)

This role is advertised by Volunteer West, the volunteer resource centre of Australian Multicultural Community Services on behalf of BaptistCare.

Organisation description:

BaptistCare is a leading purpose-led care organisation, guided by our Christian identity and serving people and communities across Australia for more than 110 years. We support people to live better through aged care, home care, retirement living, community services, disability support and housing.

We know that life’s challenges can make our world feel smaller. With the right people alongside us, it can feel more connected, supported and hopeful again.

That’s what we work towards every day - enriching lives through communities of care. Today, more than 70,000 customers, 12,000 employees and close to 2,000 volunteers are part of our communities across Australia.

BaptistCare is dedicated to the safety, empowerment, and participation of all children. We have zero tolerance of child abuse and are committed to a thoughtful, protective environment that supports infants, children, and young people to feel safe and respected.

BaptistCare – Inspired by Jesus to champion care for all.

Job description:

The BaptistCare team is seeking warm, kind-hearted volunteers to connect with older residents from Spanish, Italian, Polish and Vietnamese backgrounds at their Westhaven Aged Care Community in Footscray.

Volunteers will provide companionship and social support, helping reduce loneliness and support wellbeing.

Activities may include:

• Friendly conversations and sharing stories
• Listening to music and singing (culturally appropriate)
• Playing card or board games
• Arts and crafts
• Gardening, going for walks or taking part in light physical activities
• Reading newspapers or assisting with simple tech tasks (e.g. showing photos)
• Supporting residents in their preferred language (Spanish, Italian, Polish or Vietnamese)

No experience is required - just a friendly attitude and a willingness to make someone’s day brighter.

Location: Westhaven Aged Care Community, Footscray VIC

Skills required:

• Ability to speak Spanish, Italian, Polish or Vietnamese
• Friendly and empathetic communication skills
• Reliability and the ability to work independently
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for older people

Time required:

• Any weekday (Monday to Friday), between 9:00am and 5:00pm
• Ideally, we are looking for volunteers who can donate 1 or more hours weekly

Commitment required: Regular - more than 6 months

Other requirements:

• National Police Check (covered by BaptistCare)
• Two referees
• Annual influenza and COVID vaccinations are recommended but not mandatory.

Volunteering Benefits:

• Join a volunteer team recognised with the Inclusive Volunteering Award for two consecutive years.
• Make a real difference in someone’s life through companionship
• Join an inclusive and supportive volunteer community
• Invitations to wellness days, social gatherings, and cultural events
• Access to wellbeing and counselling services
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing training and support
• Volunteer recognition through awards and gift vouchers
• Access to discounts on health insurance and IT equipment

This role could be made suitable for volunteers with Centrelink requirement of 15 hours/fortnight.