Organisation

Ōtepoti-Dunedin Whānau Refuge

Purpose

Ōtepoti Dunedin Whānau Refuge's vision is for all in Aotearoa to live free from family violence.

Description

Would you love to offer information, advice and, at times, accompany women and families into a safe house, working alongside Ōtepoti Dunedin Whānau Refuge's amazing Volunteers and kaimahi (staff members)?

Nau mai, haere mai.

Ōtepoti Dunedin Whānau Refuge is seeking compassionate and reliable volunteers to join their After Hours Safe House Intake and Crisis Support team. This 24/7 service is a vital lifeline for wāhine, tamariki and whānau experiencing family violence.

Volunteers work alongside trained advocates to support whānau entering the safe house after hours, providing calm, respectful, and mana-enhancing support during what can be a stressful and vulnerable time.

The after-hours triage system is managed by Whakarongorau, who respond to calls between 4:30pm and 9:00am. If a safe house intake is required, they escalate the call to an advocate who will conduct a risk and safety assessment. A secondary volunteer (you!) may then be called on to support the intake or provide crisis support. 🌙🚪📞🛟🤍

Volunteers receive full training, ongoing support, and attend bimonthly supervision sessions as part of a collaborative, experienced, and deeply compassionate team.

As a Volunteer, You Will:
🕰️ Be available (when rostered) to support safe house intake or crisis response
👥 Work alongside an advocate during every intake
🌿 Uphold the values of safety, diversity, dignity, and mana-enhancing practice
🏡 Make a tangible difference to the lives of those experiencing high-risk family violence

When rostered, you’ll be available to support intakes or crisis events as needed. You’ll be part of a kaupapa that upholds diversity, safety, and mana-enhancing practice for whānau experiencing high-risk family violence.

If making a meaningful difference speaks to you, and you bring empathy, reliability, and commitment, we warmly invite you to join our volunteer team. Your compassion could change lives. 🛡️🌈🤍🌿

Requirements

• Aged 20 or 21+

• Based in the Dunedin area

• Full driver’s licence required

• Able to commit to at least 3–4 after-hours shifts per month for a minimum of 12 months

• Complete the full ŌDWR training programme

• Commit to attending bimonthly supervision

• Living a life grounded in safety, respect, and freedom from harm

Time commitment

• Minimum commitment: 3–4 shifts per month over 12 months

• Weekday shifts: Monday–Friday, 4:30pm – 8:30am

• Weekend shift: Friday 8:30am – Monday 8:30am (on-call over the full weekend)

Background Check

Police- Working with vulnerable women and children

How to apply

Please contact Executive Manager / manager@odwr.nz

Please copy (CC) volunteer@otago.ac.nz into your application email. Also, we have a great email template and helpful tips on making an effective application here: https://www.unicrewotago.org/aboutpriceless