Organisation

IHC (Intellectually Handicapped Children)

Purpose

IHC is New Zealand’s leading provider of services for people with intellectual disabilities. Their Mission is at the heart of everything they do and they are committed to supporting people with intellectual disabilities to lead satisfying lives in the community.

Description

In this role you will:

• Be matched by IHC based on your shared interests and hobbies

• IHC will ensure you are fully briefed and trained to deal with particular disabilities

• Befriend an adult with an intellectual disability to enrich that person's life and gain a new friend in the process

Benefits to volunteers:

• Training and support is provided throughout your volunteering experience
  (This is to ensure friendships are successful and meaningful to both parties)

• You will be reimbursed on agreed upon 'out of pocket' expenses
  (such as coffee and reasonable travel costs)

• IHC shows appreciation for their volunteers in numerous ways

Residents of Dunedin are certainly encouraged to apply, as the continuity is good for all involved.

Requirements

• A genuine interest in developing a friendship with a person with an intellectual disability

• Time to invest so that you can develop that friendship

• A desire to build on shared interests and hobbies

• A desire to be out and about in your community and to have fun

• You must be over the age of 17

• A police check is required: all IHC volunteers are also vetted every three years

• You must complete an orientation session and a training module on working with vulnerable adults

• You must have two referees who will confirm suitability

Time commitment

• There is an initial selection interview conducted by IHC’s Volunteer Coordinator during which time
  you will be asked to share your interests and background so that you can be successfully matched.

• Once accepted on to the Programme, there is a detailed 4 hour induction session which includes
  IHC’s mission and values, information on intellectual disabilities and how these can impact an
  individual’s health and wellbeing and how you can assist them when out and about in the
  community.

• A further meeting is then held to discuss the volunteer’s proposed match with a person
  IHC supports.  This meeting is arranged by the IHC Volunteer Coordinator and the Person IHC
  supports, with their carer/s also present.

• A carefully tailored plan is then created around goals, life experience, challenges and interests.

• Ongoing contact is flexible, and agreed upon by both parties, however, it is preferred that friends meet at least once a fortnight.

• A minimum one year commitment is required (with the hope that the friendship is ongoing).

Background Check

Police
Vulnerable people

How to apply

Email gillian.marshall@ihc.org.nz

Please copy (cc) volunteer@otago.ac.nz into your application email