Van driver - Wanaka » Presbyterian Support Otago

What: Van drivers help older folk to engage in social outings, access services, shops and cafes. Social engagement and practical support.
When: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday afternoons, 1:30 -3:00.
Where: Elmslie House, 81 Stone Street, Wanaka.

What you would do?

Give an afternoon of your time to drive the Elmslie van taking residents on outings. This could be a scenic drive, trips to the supermarket, Mitre 10, for an ice cream or a local cafe. Social engagement and meaningful activity are essential to a healthy, happy life, no matter what your age. Work alongside staff supporting residents getting on and off the van, engaging residents in conversation during the outing. Van outings are accompanied by a staff a member.

Ensure that residents are safely transferred to and from the destination.
Engage with residents in a friendly manner during the outing.
Provide companionship during the outing/activity to enhance their experience.
Outings contribute to residents cognitive, physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. Residents also love chatting and having a laugh with volunteers.
A staff member with current first-aid will accompany you and the residents.
Outings go very fast and it's a wonderfully rewarding experience for the volunteers.

You will receive a full orientation and training, you will always be working alongside staff.

This role would suit a volunteer who is flexible with time, you can commit to as few or as many shifts as you like. Monday, Thursday and Friday afternoons.

Requirements | Checks you can expect

You should have a full clean driver license.

You should be friendly, reliable, trustworthy and have good communication skills.

Volunteers need to be physically capable of assisting elderly people in and out of the van.

Volunteers should have a natural interest in older people, have patience, a caring and respectful attitude and be happy working as part of a team.

As you will be stepping into the 'Home' of elderly people we take great care in who our volunteers are. All our volunteers need to complete a Police Check and provide references. All volunteers will receive appropriate training and supervision for their role and will be required to sign a Code of Conduct.

Time commitment

Between 1:30 and 3pm.

Volunteers are needed Monday, Thursday and Friday on a day and frequency that suits you.

Ideally we would like volunteers that can commit for at least 6 months or longer.

Apply for this role | Request an application form