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Volunteer support worker training

Our volunteer support workers are trained in WIRE’s unique strength-based service delivery model to give service users the space to explore their issues and form plans of action.

Why volunteer at WIRE?

With more than 38 years’ experience, WIRE is Victoria’s leading free service organisation in Victoria. The volunteer support worker training is in person and includes:

  • interactive workshops
  • simulated practice exercises
  • assigned readings
  • written exercises
  • hands-on experience answering phone calls on WIRE’s support line

Becoming a volunteer support worker at WIRE

The volunteer support worker training will support you to:

  • build on your active listening skills
  • challenge your biases about our communities
  • reflect on your learning
  • debrief with experienced WIRE team leaders

Upcoming training dates:

Intake for the March 2023 course is now closed. The next Volunteer Support Worker Training is scheduled for October, with intake to begin in September. Send your Expression of Interest by completing the form below.

Selection process

If you’re a woman or a non-binary or gender diverse person aged over 21 and interested in completing the training, you will need to:

  • Complete the expression of interest form below
  • Attend a 2-hour information session
  • Complete a group interview

Costs

  • $178 — concession
  • $250 — full-time students
  • $340 — full price

Commitments

If you are selected to be part of the training program, you will need to commit to:

  • 10 day, in-person group training (one Wednesday per week, 9:30am – 3pm)
  • 2x two-hour observation shifts on the Phone Support Line (in person)
  • 2x three-hour evaluated shifts on the Phone Support Line (in person)
  • 5x four-hour probationary shifts (in person)
  • a one-hour mid-training interview
  • a one-hour end of probation interview*
  • one volunteer support worker shift per fortnight over a minimum of 12 months

* Not all people who complete the training will become WIRE support workers.

Scholarships

WIRE offers three scholarships for each intake to Support Worker training. These are available to the following groups:

ABORIGINAL OR TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER WOMEN, NON-BINARY AND GENDER DIVERSE PEOPLE 

One free place is available in each training course for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander woman, non-binary or gender-diverse person.

TRANS, NON-BINARY AND GENDER DIVERSE PEOPLE

One free place is available in each training course for a trans, non-binary or gender-diverse person.

SEEKING ASYLUM/NEWLY ARRIVED OR REFUGEE WOMEN, NON-BINARY & GENDER DIVERSE PEOPLE

One free place is available in each training course for a woman, non-binary or gender diverse person who is seeking asylum, newly-arrived or a refugee. Women, non-binary or gender diverse people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds with strong spoken English language skills are encouraged to apply.

WOMEN, NON-BINARY AND GENDER-DIVERSE PEOPLE OVER 50

In recognition of the inspirational work of WIRE’s founders in 1984, one free place will be available in each training course for a woman, non-binary or gender-diverse person over 50 who is currently seeking work or wanting to return to work.

For more information on scholarships, please email our Education and Training Coordinator at training@wire.org.au.

COVID-safe policy

You must be fully vaccinated or have a medical exemption to volunteer at WIRE.

Police record checks

WIRE is required by the DFFH to undertake a National Police Record Check on all trainees. If you have lived outside of Australia for more than 12 months in the last 10 years you will need to get an International Police Record Check at your own cost. Having a police record does not automatically mean that you can’t volunteer with us. You are welcome to discuss this with us when your are applying (training@wire.org.au).

Working with Children’s Check

You will also be required to get a Working With Children Check. This Check is free for volunteers and WIRE will provide you with information on how to get it.

Expressions of interest

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