Join our Team

• Volunteer to support and make a difference to the lives of people living with mental health challenges
• Volunteer roles | 12 month commitment, 2 hours/fortnight
• Melbourne Metro Locations

Mind Australia is one of the country’s leading community-managed specialist mental health service providers with a range of residential, mobile outreach, centre based and online services. We have been supporting people living with the day-to-day impacts of mental illness, as well as their families, friends and carers for over 40 years.

We provide practical and motivational support that helps people to develop the skills they need to move on, thrive and improve the quality of their lives. It’s an approach to mental health and wellbeing that looks at the whole person in the context of their daily life. Mind is committed to diversity and social inclusion.

About the role

The Partnership And Linkage Service (PALS) is a social and recreational program that matches Volunteers with individuals experiencing mental ill health and social isolation. PALS works collaboratively with clients, families and carers to enhance recovery and wellbeing by delivering personalised one-to-one support, facilitating social and recreational groups, providing peer support, developing personal and daily living skills, creating meaningful social and community connections, strengthening relationships with families and friends, and building confidence and capacity to live independently. Volunteers can come from any walk of life with the common thread a strong commitment to valuing and supporting diversity of experience, companionship and connection.

We are seeking self-motivated, compassionate Volunteers for a 12 month commitment (2 hours per fortnight) to support people experiencing mental ill health in various locations across the Melbourne metro area. You will foster warm, nurturing relationships with people to support their recovery journey and assist them to participate in social and recreational activities, create connections with the community and develop social and daily living skills.

Key responsibilities

• Develop trusted relationships with clients, offer companionship and support on their recovery journey to live their best life.
• Provide a welcoming environment and empower people to enhance their life skills, build self-confidence, and develop social and community connections.
• Encourage and plan participation in social or recreational activities, interest groups, community events, social clubs or educational courses either face-to-face or online.
• Work collaboratively with staff, service providers and the community to ensure a co-ordinated, integrated response to client’s recovery goals.

What you’ll bring

• No minimum qualification is required but Tertiary qualifications in Mental Health, Psychology, Social Work, Occupational Therapy or other health-related field is desirable.
• Previous experience in volunteering or customer service role working with people with mental health issues is desirable.
• Understanding of the Community Services, Mental Health or Disability sectors and ability to build relationships with service providers, stakeholders, clients, families and carers.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and listening skills with a positive, non-judgmental attitude.

Benefits

• Making a difference to the lives of people living with mental ill health.
• Helping to reduce stigma of mental health in the community.
• Supporting your community and fostering a sense of self-worth and satisfaction.

Interested?

To obtain a position description and apply online visit Mind Careers - reference number 492870. Online applications must be submitted by 11pm Monday 20 February 2023. Please contact the person below for more information.

Mind strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, people with a lived experience of mental ill health and recovery, and applicants from all cultures, genders, sexualities, bodies, abilities, spiritualities, ages and backgrounds. The successful applicant is required to complete comprehensive reference and background checking prior to employment, including a Working with Children Check, NDIS Workers Screening Check and the ability to obtain vaccinations against COVID-19.

 PD Volunteer (Family, Carer & Respite) 20230130.pdf