POSITION CONTEXT:     
Assistance and Care in the Emergency Department (ACE) is a Red Cross program aimed at meeting the personal and practical support needs of patients and their attending family members/friends in the Emergency Department of the Hospital. Red Cross volunteers offer companionship, a conversation, a break from caring for children or assistance with making calls to family members, during the time in the Emergency department, which can be extended.

They work in partnership with the Western Health staff and volunteers, and abide by Western Health Codes of Conduct, avoiding any involvement in counselling, medical procedures, or advice about such matters. Part of the aim of the program is to allow hospital staff to be able focus on the medical work.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE:
* Guide and orientate patients with waiting area
* Provide emotional and practical support during the waiting period and if required during treatment
* Care for siblings allowing parents to focus on a patient
* Offer support and comfort to family member or friend of a patient receiving medical attention
* Work cooperatively with Emergency Department staff to ensure that the needs of patients and attending family/carers are being met
* Provide resources to occupy patients in the waiting room

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:
* Interest in providing a humanitarian service, and ability to work within the Fundamental principles of Red Cross
* Outgoing personality and willingness to approach people
* Ability to work within operational policies & procedures, and maintain confidentiality
* Ability to work as part of a team and independently
* Ability to communicate effectively
* Calm manner
* Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds
* Satisfactory results from a Police Records Check, and reference checks
* Three month probationary period

For more details contact Janelle Phillips or phone 03 8327 7753