Organisation

Presbyterian Support Otago

Purpose

Presbyterian Support Otago works for a fair, just and caring community. Motivated by their Christian heritage, and in partnership with others, PSO works across the generations for positive change, strong families and healthy communities.

Description

As Dunedin’s first home for older people, Ross Home has a long, proud tradition of providing quality care and services. Ross Home offers rest home and hospital level care for up to 100 residents.

Residents love chatting and having a laugh with volunteers who bring a little bit of the outside world in with them, making conversation about things happening in the community, places you have been and things you have done or noticed.

As a morning and/or afternoon tea assistants you will:

• Work alongside staff and engage residents in conversation while helping with tea service.

• Assisting staff to serve morning or afternoon tea.

• Engage with residents in a friendly manner.

• Make and serve cups of tea and coffee (food is made fresh onsite by kitchen staff).

• Be reliable and dedicated, residents look forward to catching up with volunteers.

• Social interaction for elderly improves their mental well-being, relieving stress and improving memory.

• Social interaction makes for healthier, happier living, no matter what your age.

Volunteers will:

• Receive appropriate training and supervision for their role and will be required to sign a Code of Conduct.

• Be a valued part of the team and provide valuable social interaction to residents.

Requirements

Checks you can expect;

• Induction and ongoing training and support

• You should be friendly, reliable, trustworthy and have good communication skills.

• Volunteers need to be physically capable of pushing wheelchairs and moving lounge furniture to navigate the tea trolley.

• Volunteers must have a natural interest in older people, have patience, a caring and respectful attitude and be happy working as part of a team.

As you will be stepping into the 'Home' of elderly people we take great care in who our volunteers are:

• Volunteers are required to complete a Police Check and provide references.

Time commitment

• Tea service volunteers are required for about 1.5 hours a week (you are welcome to volunteer more frequently if you have the time).

• Choose a day and tea service that works for you.

• Morning tea is served approximately 10am - 11:30am, afternoon tea approximately 3pm - 4:30pm.

• Commitment of at least 6 months is preferred, residents enjoy building rapport with volunteers.

Background Check

Police check required as role is working with vulnerable adults

How to apply

Email Michelle at michelle.marsh@psotago.org.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