Volunteer

EdConnect Australia continues to recruit volunteers for the 2020 school year.

March 2020

EdConnect Australia will continue to recruit volunteers during the COVID – 19 pandemic.

For many Australians, there is now more time to reflect on how we engage with and support our local communities. Volunteering in a local school to help students gain academic success is a valuable way to give back.

When schools fully resume, there will be a GREATER need for volunteers to SUPPORT children who are disadvantaged, struggling academically, or at-risk of further disengagement.

Our small team of staff are available to receive and digitally progress all applications. We will be building a pool of volunteers who are screened, trained and ready to be placed in a school once schools resume.

Apply to Become a Volunteer

THANK YOU for your interest in volunteering with EdConnect Australia & taking the first steps in what will be a REWARDING and INVALUABLE volunteering experience. We recruit, train and support volunteers to work with vulnerable and at-risk students in school. As such, please be assured that our application process is thorough to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the students.

REQUIREMENTS

Must be available during school hours – one hour minimum per week for the school term
Must be aged 18 years or older
Australian citizen or resident or VISA that entitles you to live & work in Australia
Fluent English language skills – written and verbal
Must be willing to obtain a Working With Children Check and NCCHC (WA Only)

*We do not offer short-term, community service or one-off volunteering opportunities – ongoing support to students is our priority. Our students need a consistent adult in their lives to provide on-going support. It takes time to build a relationship and by committing to a long-term role, you and the student will benefit greatly.

Steps to Apply

Choose a volunteer role that suits you. We offer two different roles: Mentoring and Learning Support. Please read the descriptions below and choose the role that you’re most interested in. On your application form, you will be asked to choose your preference for one or both roles which will guide us in tailoring your volunteer training.

Mentor Volunteer

Mentoring

-Work face-to-face with the same student

-Provide weekly mentoring sessions

-Support academics through activities

-Teach social skills and provide emotional support

-Be a friend and confidant

-Make a life-long impact for one student

Learning Support Volunteer

Learning Support

-Help students within the classroom environment

-Provide classroom support to teachers

-Work with students in small groups

-Assist in the school library, canteen, breakfast club or bike clubs

-Help with school fundraising, sports carnivals and other events

-Assist staff with minor school improvements

Once you have chosen the volunteer role that suits you, please fill out our online application form and submit. You will be asked to provide 2 references for character checks. Once you have submitted the application form, you will hear from an EdConnect Liaison Officer within 3 weeks to set up a face-to-face interview before your school placement.

A face-to-face interview will be arranged with your Liaison Officer to discuss your experiences, preferences and school placement. We’ll do our best to match you with a students and school that best fits your requests. Our Liaison Officers will guide you through the entire process.

Once your paperwork is finalised, you’ll attend a training session prior to starting your sessions at the school. You’ll learn techniques for supporting students with best practices and you’ll have the chance to meet other volunteers. During your volunteering experience, we are always here to help if you have any concerns.