Peer Support Facilitator - Parramatta NSW, Perth WA, Brisbane Qld, Canberra ACT - #240649

About this opportunity

The Peer Support Facilitator is responsible for the on the day operations of MDFA’s peer-led support programme, Peer Support. The volunteer will utilise high quality facilitation skills to coordinating group activities and lead a balanced discussion in group settings. The Peer Support Facilitator fosters meaningful peer connections through a compassionate approach and a commitment to inclusive care. The volunteer will work closely with paid staff in Support and Care to escalate relevant health, clinical, safety and content issues. Core Functions *Creating a safe, encouraging, welcoming, and supportive environment for all group members *Leading group discussions and keeping conversations aligned with the purpose of the group *Planning and facilitating peer support groups, including encouraging participant engagement, supporting adherence to group guidelines, and moderating when necessary *Ensuring all group activities align with MDFA’s values *Acting as the main point of contact for the group *Promoting MDFA’s support services — including Eye Connect — for participants seeking additional or ongoing support *Linking participants to relevant resources when required *Listening actively to member feedback and providing key insights to the National Volunteer Coordinator *Facilitating group decision making regarding meeting time, place, and frequency (typically bi monthly) *Managing group administration, including distributing participant enrolment forms and questionnaires, assisting participants when needed, completing meeting minutes, and returning documents to the relevant MDFA staff member *Supporting ongoing evaluation of the peer support group and identifying opportunities for improvement This opportunity will differ slightly depending on the volunteering location. Specific responsibilities should be discussed with the National Volunteer Coordinator. Selection Criteria *Effective communicator with the ability to clearly and confidently speak in a group setting *Confident relating to diverse community members with chronic health conditions *Empathetic towards people of diverse experience *Technological proficiency in the Microsoft Suite, including Teams, Excel, Word and Outlook *Reliability and ability to make an ongoing commitment to the role Desirable Qualities: *Personal or familial lived with macular disease, low vision or other eye health conditions *Experience delivering community education *Knowledge of referral pathways for those with macular disease and community support available to people experiencing low vision Training Comprehensive induction and Peer Facilitator skills training, offered remotely, online • Individual guided flexibility offered in operation of groups • Ongoing support from National Volunteer Coordinator and Health Engagement Officers Applications for this role will be assessed on a rolling basis, with interviews scheduled for the 6th to the 21st April. Please apply promptly. Benefits: This role is perfect for anyone seeking a direct connection to the macular disease community. Volunteers seeking a deeper connection with the community whether due to their own personal connection to macular disease; a desire to develop a deeper understanding of the condition for further education or; someone seeking to build skills in community work, social work or education.

Additional requirements