Doncare is a not for profit agency that provides services to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged residents of Manningham and surrounding suburbs. 

Doncare supports families and individuals of all ages to access opportunities that will assist them in their daily living and enhance family functioning. Doncare provides high quality services in the areas of Counselling, Social Support, Family Services and practical assistance.

Doncare receives funding from local, state and federal governments. We also operate seven opportunity shops and attract funds through the support of private donations, philanthropic trusts and the community sector.

The Social Support Program is an innovative, exciting and well-supported program that provides opportunities for socially isolated seniors to access social opportunities to enhance their personal wellbeing and enjoy friendships.  

The Social Support Program Assistant role involves supporting volunteers, clients and / or their carers and, external service providers and government representatives to assist with providing support, organisational and administrative tasks for the Commonwealth Home Support Program group activities. These duties require an individual who respects and enjoys and is able to relate to, an older client base. 

The Social Support Program also receives some funding from the Victorian Governments Home and Community Care Program for Younger People to support a small number of socially isolated people with conditions that restrict them from independently accessing social opportunities but who are ineligible for NDIS.

Key Responsibilities

The Social Support Program Assistant will be required to:

• Undertake service specific client assessments and annual individual client review meetings
• Assist in maintaining the integrity of relevant database information and preparation of statistics and relevant internal and external reports in an appropriate, accurate and timely manner
• Ensure all documentation and data entry are completed in a timely and accurate manner and perform Social Support administration tasks as relevant to the role (e.g. mail-outs to clients, volunteers etc)
• Ensure the Social Support Program is appropriately meeting individual client needs
• Provide a service that promotes self-determination and is inclusive of Diversity, Wellness and Reablement principles
• Liaise with Social Support Program Manager and staff regarding appropriate placement of clients
• Provide appropriate assistance responding to and managing queries in relation to the Social Support Programs.
• Establish and maintain an effective referral network and liaison with local community service organisations and relevant government and non-government agencies
• Assist in the promotion of the all Social Support Program activities
• Provide assistance with arranging and supporting all Social Support Program groups with one role particularly involved with the Chinese Walking Group for Cantonese and Mandarin speaking clients and volunteers held weekly on Wednesdays and the other role having particular involvement with a weekly activity group run on Tuesdays
• Assist in the recruitment and retention of volunteers
• Attend Social Support groups and represent Doncare with the provision of support to volunteers and clients as required, including providing transport of clients to groups when necessary
• Assist in organisation of special functions and events for clients and their carers and volunteers
• Participate and make an active commitment to the development and maintenance of a cohesive team including staff and volunteers
• Participate in regular supervision with the Program Manager
• Attend relevant meetings and staff development training
• Participate in other duties as directed by the Program Manager

Further information may be obtained by phoning Helen Mackenzie on 9856 1500 or emailing [email protected], using the subject line: Social Support Program Assistant enquiry via EthicalJobs.