Volunteer Engagement Officer (VEO) in Salisbury

The Australian Refugee Association Inc. (ARA) is a community-based organisation providing settlement, migration, and other forms of assistance to refugees, migrants and other people of concern.

As a member of our team, you will be supporting new arrivals in South Australia to achieve their social, economic, cultural and community participation goals. You will be making a difference in the lives of individuals and families as they re-establish themselves in a new home.

ARA’s Outreach Programs engage refugee and migrant communities to address their settlement needs, with a focus on improving social participation, economic wellbeing, independence, personal wellbeing and community connectedness. Outreach Programs include community education, volunteering, social and employment support programs, as well as programs to engage youth.

The Volunteer Engagement Officer coordinates and supports ARA’s volunteer program, overseeing volunteer recruitment, induction, placement, supervision and ongoing engagement. The role provides guidance to staff on effective volunteer management, contributes to the continuous improvement of volunteer policies and resources, and coordinates the Social Support Program, including client referrals, volunteer matching, record keeping and reporting.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Volunteer Program Coordination, Recruitment and Support

• Coordinate volunteer recruitment, screening, registration, onboarding and induction processes to attract and retain volunteers across ARA programs.
• Build and maintain relationships with community organisations, local councils, volunteer-involving organisations and relevant networks to strengthen recruitment pathways and create new volunteer opportunities.
• Coordinate volunteer training, provide ongoing guidance and support, and implement initiatives that promote volunteer engagement, recognition and retention.
• Work collaboratively with ARA staff and program coordinators to identify volunteer needs, clarify role expectations and support effective volunteer involvement across programs.
• Provide practical advice on volunteer management, supervision and good practice, ensuring alignment with ARA policies, procedures and the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement.

Volunteer Program Governance and Administration

• Contribute to the review and continuous improvement of volunteer policies, procedures, systems and practices to support quality and consistency across ARA programs.
• Maintain accurate volunteer records, reports and compliance documentation.
• Develop, review and maintain volunteer resources, including handbooks, agreements, position descriptions, procedures, templates and promotional materials.
• Support the promotion of volunteer opportunities through ARA communication channels, including the volunteer webpage.

Social Support Program Coordination

• Coordinate the delivery of the Social Support Program, including client referrals, needs assessments, volunteer matching, induction and commencement arrangements.
• Match clients with suitable volunteers, facilitate initial introductions and provide ongoing support to promote positive and meaningful connections.
• Monitor volunteer activities, client feedback and program outcomes, addressing issues or concerns in consultation with the Team Leader.
• Maintain accurate program records, case notes and reporting documentation, and support the achievement of program targets and reporting requirements.

Qualification

• Preferred: Certificate IV or Diploma in Community Services, Volunteer Management or a related field. Equivalent knowledge and experience will be considered.

Required Skills

• Well-developed interpersonal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with volunteers, clients, staff and external stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise initiative and judgement in coordinating volunteer activities, resolving routine problems and applying established policies, procedures and service standards.
• Ability to identify, respond to and escalate volunteer, client or program issues in a professional and timely manner.
• Ability to set priorities, plan and organise own work and coordinate volunteer-related activities within agreed program requirements and timeframes.
• IT literacy with proficiency in the Microsoft suite of software programs.

Preferred Knowledge and Experience

• Sound knowledge of volunteer management practice, including the laws, rights and responsibilities relevant to volunteers.
• Knowledge of National Standards for Volunteer Involvement and their practical application.
• Experience in coordinating volunteer recruitment, induction, training and support within established organisational procedures.

This position is offered on a permanent part-time basis, 3 days a week (0.6 FTE). The position is classified at Level 3.1 - 3.3 of the SCHADS Award, depending on the successful candidate's qualifications and relevant experience.

HOW TO APPLY

If you are interested in this role, we encourage you to submit a cover letter and resume through the "Apply" button below. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. For further enquiries about the position, please contact our HR Officer at recruitment@ausref.net.

ARA is committed to equal employment opportunity. Individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people with lived experience of disability, are strongly encouraged to apply.