VOLUNTEER WITH REACH
At Reach we really value the support of our volunteers and recognise the huge contribution they make.
The typical role of a Reach volunteer is to provide administrative and logistical support for Reach programs, events and in the office. Please note that as a volunteer, you do not work directly with young people – this is the job of our Reach Crew and Facilitators.
If you are interested in becoming a Reach Volunteer, there are a few things we ask you to do:
1. Please read each of the following Frequently Asked Questions. Because volunteering at Reach is a serious commitment, we recommend taking some time to read these questions and reflecting on how volunteering could fit into your life.
2. We genuinely value the volunteer support we receive and want to ensure the best outcomes for all involved. Please consider all other aspects of your life, including school, study, socializing, part-time work and so on, before deciding whether you’re able to commit to being a volunteer with Reach.
VOLUNTEER FAQS
I am happy to volunteer in the Reach office. Can I be of any assistance?
We are interested in people who can help out with the following:
- data entry
- reception work
- mail outs
- simple logistics
This work is mostly during the day and occasionally in the evening at our Collingwood premises. Previous experience in reception work, Microsoft Office (Excel and Word) is required.
Can I attend programs or weekends away and work with young people directly?
The typical role of a Reach volunteer is to provide administrative and logistic support at the office and at our events. Unfortunately, this does not involve attending programs or camps with young people – specially trained Reach Crew and Facilitators deliver our programs.
Can I help over the holidays or while I’m between jobs?
Due to the comprehensive procedures associated with registering as a volunteer with Reach (such as Police and Working with Children checks) we require a long term commitment to volunteering of a minimum of 12 months.
I’d like to get some experience in youth/social work/psychology. Can I help out and learn?
Although Reach has a dedicated Youth Support team with qualified social workers and psychologists, our volunteer roles are primarily administrative/logistical in nature. If you are a social work or psychology student there may be placement opportunities available. Please contact zibet@reach.org.au to enquire.
If you have completed a Bachelor of Social Work or are a Fully Registered Psychologist you are welcome to make enquiries with our Youth Support Team on 9412 0900.
Will I be likely to gain employment after carrying out volunteer work with Reach?
As a volunteer with Reach you are welcome to apply for any position advertised on www.reach.org.au/SEEK, in newspapers or via recruitment agencies.
What happens once I fill in the application form to become a Volunteer?
After your application has been submitted via email or post, we will peruse your details and place them on to our database. We will then contact you as volunteer opportunities arise.
If you are interested in applying to volunteer at Reach:
Please complete a Personal Profile Form and email to sophie.cieciwa@reach.org.au or send to The Reach Foundation, 152-156 Wellington Street Collingwood VIC 3066 attention to Sophie Cieciwa
What happens if I’m not contacted to help out?
Some volunteers are happy to remain on our database and help out when the need arises. If you would like to be removed from our database at any stage please let us know on 03 9412 0900 .
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How can I learn about volunteering my time to mentor a young person?
We have a unique mentoring program called Ramp developed by Reach and Whitelion (funded by the Victorian Government) to address the needs of young people aged 13-17 living in residential care.
Becoming a Ramp mentor involves a 12-month commitment of around 3 hours per fortnight plus attendance at workshops and a weekend away.
If you are interested in applying to Volunteer with the Ramp Program:
To find out more contact Fran Head from Whitelion on 03 9389 4338 / Fran.Head@whitelion.asn.au or register on their website to attend the next Ramp mentor information session.
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I’m interested in volunteering at Reach Events, how can I get involved?
We run two major fundraising events each year, The Reach Ball and Breakfast with the Stars. We’re also always looking for people with great networks or have a gift of sourcing donation prizes.
For information on volunteering at Reach events, click here
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Please note that for volunteering at Reach (other than for events) you will be required to lodge a Working With Children Check and National Police Check. These items form part of our policies and procedures in order to meet our commitment to maintaining a child safe organisation.
