Organisation

Youthline Otago

Purpose

Youthline offers a free Helpline service (text, phone, webchat & email), free face-to-face counselling services, youth mentoring, programmes in schools and communities to help people grow and develop.

Description

Our Casual Community Volunteers play a vital and flexible role in supporting our presence across the community. This is a lower-commitment volunteering opportunity designed for individuals who want to contribute in a meaningful way, while maintaining flexibility around their availability.

Casual Community Volunteers provide hands-on support at events and community activities. They help create positive, safe, and engaging environments while promoting awareness of our service.

This role is ideal for individuals who are enthusiastic, community-minded, and keen to get involved on a flexible basis without the commitment of a core Ambassador role.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with donation collection and fundraising initiatives

• Help set up and pack down event spaces

• Support the running of chill-out spaces and wellbeing areas at events

• Welcome and engage with attendees in a friendly and approachable manner

• Share general information about our service (within the scope of training provided)

• Keep an eye out for community events or opportunities where we could have a presence and share these with the team

• Represent the organisation in a positive and professional way

Requirements

We are looking for volunteers who are:

• Friendly, reliable, and enthusiastic

• Comfortable engaging with rangatahi and other community members

• Flexible and open to supporting a variety of tasks

• Flexible and open to attending diverse and varied community events

• Team players who are willing to help where needed

• Passionate about supporting youth wellbeing

Previous experience is not required; a positive attitude and willingness to get involved are what matter most.

Time commitment

• Casual and flexible

• Initial one-off training

• Opportunities to sign up for events and activities throughout the year

• No minimum monthly commitment required

• Casual volunteering commitment will be reviewed after 1 year

Training and Support

Casual Community Volunteers will receive:

• A streamlined induction and volunteer briefing

• Event-specific guidance and clear role instructions

• Ongoing support from staff and other volunteers*

• Access to basic information and key messaging about our service

This role does not include Mental Health First Aid training. Volunteers will be provided with clear guidance on when and how to refer individuals to trained staff members and/or Youthline's broader services.

Background Check

Police check required.

Policy & Inclusion

All volunteers are expected to uphold Youthline's values and confidentiality in line with organisational policies. Support will always be available from staff and trained volunteers during events.

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and respectful volunteering environment.

How to apply

Please contact: community.volunteering@youthline.co.nz and copy (cc) volunteer@otago.ac.nz into your application email, and complete Expression of Interest form