Companion Animal Support Program Volunteer

Do you love dogs and going for walks?

Do you want to make a real difference to people’s lives?

If yes, volunteering with Yarra City Council’s Companion Animal Program is a great way to combine these passions to make a positive impact on our community.

You will benefit by making a new friendship with the pet and its owner, get exercise and have lots of fun, whilst receiving training and support throughout your volunteering experience. 

For more information contact the Positive Ageing Program Officer, email sarah.mathers@yarracity.vic.gov.au or phone 0456 360 047.

VOLUNTEER ROLE DESCRIPTION

 

ROLE TITLE:

Volunteer - Companion Animal Support Program (CASP)

REPORTS TO:

Community Engagement Officer

UNIT:

BRANCH:

DIVISION:

Healthy and Active Ageing

Aged and Disability Services

Community Wellbeing

POLICE CHECK REQUIRED:

YES

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK REQUIRED:

YES

PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL REQUIRED:

NO
           

 

Yarra City Council is committed to being a child safe organisation and supports flexible and accessible working arrangements for all.

 

We draw pride and strength from our diversity, remain open to new approaches and actively foster an inclusive workplace that celebrates the contribution made by all our people.

 

Our values Accountability, Respect and Courage underpin how we work and our efforts to build a culture based on positive relationships with colleagues and the community.

 

 

Program overview

 

For many people pets are the most important companion in their lives, but illness, disability or frailty can make caring for pets too difficult to manage alone.

 

The Companion Animal Support Program (CASP) aims to help eligible residents in the City of Yarra, aged over 65 or people who have a disability, improve their quality of life by addressing social isolation and health and wellbeing.

 

Volunteers play a crucial role in the successful delivery of this program. They are matched with a pet owner to provide these wellbeing benefits for both pet and its owner through regular home visits and dog walking.

 

As a valued member of the Yarra City Council CASP team, volunteers will have the opportunity to get active, enjoy some time with a dog that they otherwise don’t have responsibilities for, as well as connect with and make a real difference to people’s lives.

 

ROLE OBJECTIVE

 

The Companion Animal Support Program volunteer will assist eligible residents, living in the City of Yarra, to care for their companion animal, and also provides companionship to the resident.

 

Please note;

  • to be eligible to volunteer for this program you must be 18 years of age (or older);
  • if you are a parent and want to take your child/ren on the dog walking duties please be aware that as a registered volunteer only you will be covered by council's insurance, not your child/ren and you will be fully responsible for their safety whilst undertaking this task; 
  • due to risk management, volunteers are not able to bring their own dog whilst walking the client's dog.

 

KEY TASKS & requirements

 

  • Assist with the delivery of the Companion Animal Support Program for eligible residents (patron) living in the City of Yarra;
  • Visit patron on a regular basis (e.g. weekly) to walk their dog;
  • Offer the patron a friendly face and a bit of a chat;
  • Respect the rights of patron and exercise duty of care at all times, this includes decisions made by the patron regarding the care of their animal;
  • Provide the Coordinator with a record of dates and times of visits;
  • Communicate any feedback, issues or concerns during visits to the Coordinator, this includes if you are asked to undertake any financial or legal responsibilities or any other tasks outside the duties on this role description eg grocery shopping, as Council may be able to offer other services that can assist the patron;
  • If you plan to drive you will need to use your own car, possess a valid Victorian Drivers Licence and ensure your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition. Comprehensive insurance is desirable. There are other transport options including use of our e-bikes;
  • Comply with OHS requirements;
  • Have a current (or willing to obtain) a National Police Check, Working with Children card; and
  • Able to commit to a minimum of 6 months.

 

TIME COMMITMENT

 

  • 1 hour, once or twice a week (as agreed) for a minimum period of 6 months.

KEY ATTRIBUTES

 

KEY ATTRIBUTES

 

  • Interest and experience in caring for dogs;
  • Enjoy engaging with a variety of people from different social and cultural backgrounds, in particular older persons - but this may include people with mobility and communication barriers;
  • Good communication skills;
  • Be compassionate, cheerful and positive;
  • Demonstrated reliability;
  • Able to work autonomously; and
  • Respect confidentiality.

 

TRAINING & SUPPORT

 

All volunteers are required to attend a short induction session regarding the program and undertake basic training in safe animal handling specific to this volunteering role to enable you to feel safe and confident in undertaking the tasks.

 

Compulsory online training modules required for this role includes:

  • Volunteer induction (including code of conduct and health and safety)
  • Child safety

 

You will be provided with ongoing support from the Program Coordinator with opportunities for feedback throughout the program lifespan.

 

ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

 

Reports to:                  Community Engagement Officer

Internal Liaisons:         Aged and Disability Services Branch

External Liaisons:        Members of the public

 

___________________________________________________________________

 

We will provide you with a Volunteer Handbook, Code of Conduct and Volunteer Agreement. As part of the on-boarding process you will be required to sign to acknowledge that you agree with terms in the Volunteer Agreement.

 

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