Organisation

IHC

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

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.

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 check required as the role involves working with vulnerable people

How to apply

Email Gill Marshall at gillian.marshall@ihc.org.nz

Please CC in 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