Volunteer - Disability Advocacy NSW

Disability Advocacy NSW (DA) believes that people with a disability have the same rights (and responsibilities) as people who do not have a disability. DA’s core purpose is to ensure that people with a disability realise these rights in practice by advocating with and for them.

DA helps people of all ages with any type of disability or mental illness get fair treatment in the Hunter, New England and Mid North Coast regions of NSW.

Position description

Position: Volunteer

Region: Hunter

Responsible to: Regional Coordinator, Intake Officer

Direct Supervision and Support: Regional Coordinator

Duties and responsibilities:

 Answer calls made to DA and assist clients who attend the office.

 Provide callers with information about disability issues and services.

 Provide general assistance to Advocates and Intake Officer

 Refer callers to DA’s Intake Officer.

 Assist Advocates to prepare client files, surveys, letters and enter client data.

 Assist in preparing material for community education.

Carry out any reasonable additional tasks as directed. Comply with the policies and practice manual of the organisation. Comply with the relevant standards set for the organisation by the funding body or sector association. Please note that the duties listed above are not intended to be an exhaustive list and additional tasks can be negotiated based on the needs of successful volunteer applicants.

What DA expects from you

You agree to:

  1. Undertake a Police Check when requested.
  2. Undertake a Working with Children Check when requested.
  3. Only conduct work as directed by your supervisor.
  4. Abide by all the policies and procedures of Advocacy Law Alliance and DA.
  5. Work in a manner that is safe for yourself, other volunteers, paid staff and members of the public.
  6. Participate in orientation and training programs as required.
  7. Only work unsupervised if you have been authorised to do.
  8. Advise your supervisor if you cannot attend on the specified days by giving at least 24 hours notice.
  9. Not to disclose any information that is confidential or sensitive to DA.
  10. Support a non-discriminatory and harassment free work environment.
  11. Promptly inform your supervisor of any concerns you may have during your volunteer period.

What you can expect from DA

DA will provide:

 A volunteer position that is worthwhile and challenging

 Appropriate orientation and training

 Advice, guidance and assistance from staff.

 A variety of advocacy work.

 Information on organisational changes or new policy decisions relevant to you.

 An avenue where you can raise questions, concerns and/or complaints

 Feedback, encouragement and recognition of your achievements.

 Appropriate insurance cover

Benefits/opportunities

 Gain knowledge about issues affecting people with disability.

 Improve your verbal and written communication skills.

 Make a positive contribution to an area of work which aims to ensure people with disability get a fair go.

Volunteer Application Form

Please complete this form and return it to the attention of ‘RC/HR’ at email

Name:

Address:

Contacts:

Telephone –

Email -

Educational Background:

Work experience:

What do you hope to get out of volunteering with Disability Advocacy NSW, and what do you feel you can contribute by volunteering?

Do you have a disability and will you need any special assistance to engage in general office activities? (DA is committed to providing any necessary support to volunteers with a disability.)

What day/s and times would you be interested in doing voluntary work?

Do you currently hold a driver’s licence?

Please list the name of 2 referees

Name:

Phone Number:

Name:

Phone Number:

1