Every day, people across Victoria experience homelessness, financial hardship, family breakdown, and unexpected crises that can leave them feeling vulnerable and unsure where to turn. The St Kilda Crisis Centre provides practical support, material aid and crisis assistance to people when they need it most. In addition to supporting the local community, the service also operates Victoria's statewide after-hours crisis response service, ensuring people can access support outside standard business hours.
As a Volunteer Support Assistant, you will play an important role in helping the service remain welcoming, organised and responsive to community needs. By assisting with unpacking and organising donated goods, supporting the presentation of client spaces, contributing to improvement projects, and helping maintain a safe and inviting environment, you will enable staff to focus on providing direct support to people experiencing crisis and hardship.
This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys practical, hands-on work and wants to make a meaningful contribution behind the scenes. Your support will help create a positive and welcoming experience for every person who accesses the service, ensuring they are met with dignity, respect and compassion during difficult times.
Job Description
Key responsibilities
- Contribute to a welcoming, safe and well-organised environment that promotes dignity, respect and positive experiences for people accessing crisis support services.
- Support the effective operation of the St Kilda Crisis Centre by assisting with practical activities that help ensure resources, facilities and community spaces are maintained and accessible.
- Assist with the management and organisation of material aid and donated goods, helping the service respond efficiently to the needs of individuals and families experiencing hardship.
- Contribute to projects and initiatives that enhance the presentation, functionality and welcoming atmosphere of the centre for clients, volunteers and staff.
- Work collaboratively with staff and fellow volunteers to support the delivery of high-quality services to the local community and Victoria's statewide after-hours crisis response service.
- Demonstrate The Salvation Army's values through respectful, compassionate and professional interactions with clients, staff, volunteers and community members.
- Maintain a commitment to safe work practices, confidentiality and the wellbeing of all people accessing and supporting the service.
- Use initiative, reliability and a positive attitude to identify opportunities that improve the client experience and support the smooth operation of the centre.
Qualifications and skills (desired/required)
- A positive, friendly and welcoming attitude.
- Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Reliable, punctual and committed to supporting the service.
- Respect for people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
- Good verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
- Willingness to follow policies, procedures and workplace health and safety requirements.
- Basic physical capability to undertake tasks such as unpacking deliveries, moving stock, setting up spaces and light gardening
- Interest in community services, social justice or supporting people experiencing disadvantage.
- Basic computer skills, including email and Microsoft Office applications.
- Current Working with Children Check and willingness to complete any required Salvation Army screening checks
Background check requirements
Background checks play an important part in our commitment to being a safe organisation. Where an applicant has disclosable history, the selection process includes a fair assessment and a risk management approach. Collection of personal information is handled per our privacy and confidentiality policies. Below is what is required for this role:
- As this role involves dealing with confidential information, it requires a Police Check
- As this role may have contact with children it requires a Volunteer Working with Children’s Check