Volunteer with DWCS

Volunteers making a difference.....

Volunteers (both female and male) are an integral and meaningful part of Downs & West Community Support (DWCS) as we provide a range of support services to the Darling Downs - South West and the South Burnett regions.

There are many people in need, and whether you choose to donate your time, special skill, energy, enthusiasm or something else, the effort will be especially appreciated. The economic and destructive climatic conditions have brought extra stress to many, and volunteering is actually an ideal way to help alleviate some of that stress and tap into your more positive emotions. Volunteers freely choose their involvement without expectation of payment.

Those under the age of 16 years must be supervised by a teacher or parent.

Volunteer Responsibilities and Requirements:

A Volunteer is expected to:

1. act in a manner consistent with the Mission, Vision and Values of the Sisters of Charity of Australia and DWCS;
2. comply with all relevant DWCS policies and procedures;
3. maintain confidentiality at all times;
4. honour their commitment by being reliable and punctual. Volunteer hours would normally be between 9am - 3pm weekdays, with some limited weekend activities. Some activities could be done at home e.g. preparing for craft sales;
5. have the required background checks. Some roles may require a Blue Card  (involving children) or a national crime check (having contact with everyone);
6. have a Driver Licence (where appropriate).

DWCS Expectations and Responsibilities:

DWCS has the right to:

1. expect volunteers to uphold and abide by the Mission, Vision and Values of Sisters of Charity of Australia and DWCS;
2. engage volunteers based on the needs of DWCS and the skills and experience of volunteers; and
3. expect volunteers to comply with workplace health and safety policies and procedures.

DWCS will:

1. keep volunteer personal information files in a secure place;
2. provide a safe environment for volunteer activities;
3. involve volunteers in meaningful activities matched to their skill and capacity wherever possible;
4. provide supervision by a co-ordinator;
5. ensure policies and procedures that apply to volunteers are communicated to, understood and implemented by all volunteers with DWCS;
6. recognise and value the contribution made by volunteers;
7. provide opportunities for feedback;
8. provide a roster for each volunteer when required; and
9. maintain appropriate insurance cover for volunteers.

Click here for the DWCS Volunteer application form. This form is to be submitted together with a scanned copy of your driver licence, both back and front. If you have a Blue Card or the result of a national crime check, please send copies of these as well.