position title

fws OS-based Volunteers Debrief Officer

fws team

HR & Volunteering

position purpose

The OS-based Volunteers Debrief Officer is responsible for working with returned volunteers who are settling back into everyday life following their duration of work with fws.

The role will cover a number of areas including a volunteer experience debrief and offering support and advice on how the volunteer can continue their involvement with fws activities in Australia.

The OS-based Volunteers Debrief Officer will also be responsible for putting volunteers in touch with the appropriate people to implement this and maintaining a database of activities covered with returned volunteers.

responsibilities

• Overseeing the return of volunteers and arranging to meet with or phone them, within two weeks of their return to Australia. The ideal timeframe is a phone call within two weeks, and the debrief arranged for 1-2 months. The debrief is most successful if the volunteer has been home for some time for their experience to be integrated, but not so long that they feel neglected.
• As part of this return process, OS-based Volunteers Debrief Officer will work with the fws Communications Team to create and distribute a ‘welcome back’ pack to volunteers which helps them become refreshed with the work fws Australia does and enables them to become involved, if they so desire.
• If the OS-based Volunteers Debrief Officer identifies that a volunteer is in need of further emotional or psychological support the OS-based Volunteers Debrief Officer will suggest this to the volunteer and offer avenues of referral (the infoxchange website is a great way to locate suburb-specific counsellors).
• Create and manage a record of each volunteer debrief and reporting back to fws HR Manager, OS-based Volunteers Manager and Aust-based Volunteers Manager monthly with any areas or concerns requiring review.
• Working with other key fws staff to ensure returned volunteers interested in taking up an Australian-based fws position are managed in an efficient and timely manner.
• Providing volunteers a support network so they may maintain contact and have a point of reference while settling back into everyday life.
• Discussing with returned volunteers opportunities for further engagement with fws, and where appropriate, onpassing them to Aust-based Volunteer Recruitment Officer to induct.
  

key performance indicators

• Ensure returned volunteers are contacted in a timely manner.
• Ensure returned volunteers are supported appropriately to integrate their volunteer experience into their return home and future plans. 
• Develop a returned volunteer record and reporting monthly to fws HR Manager, OS-based Volunteers Manager and Aust-based Volunteers Manager.
  
• Develop and work with key fws staff to ensure effective facilitation of returned volunteers to continue involvement with fws Australia and Australian-based projects if they wish.
  

liaise with

• fws HR Manager
• fws Australian-based Volunteers Manager
• fws OS-based Volunteers Manager 
• fws management committee
  

report to

• fws HR Manager

time

2-3 hours per week

term

12 months minimum – lots more months hopefully!

location

From home, however you may be required to travel to meet volunteers for debriefing. fws will cover the out-of-pocket expenses of this travel.

skills & requirements

• Excellent communication skills to confidently work with fws volunteers
• Problem solve any issues affecting volunteer enjoyment or efficiency
• An understanding of the debriefing purpose and process
• Warm, understanding, nurturing personality
• Strong organisational skills
• Innovative, creative approach to problem-solving
• An understanding and appreciation of travel
• Desire to be make a difference while contributing to a fun and dedicated group of volunteers

does this sound like you?

Email ausvolunteer@foodwatershelter.org.au.