Volunteering with OPA - Frequently Asked Questions

Please read the Position Description for the role and only apply if you believe that you can meet the role requirements.

As OPA receives a number of applications the more information that you can provide on your ability to meet the role requirements, the better.

All applications are matched against our needs and the applicant’s ability to fulfil the role.

We also consider availability. Applicants who have greater flexibility with availability are more likely to meet the time requirements of the role.

If your application is short-listed you will be contacted for an interview.

All applicants are notified of the status of their application.

While we appreciate that individuals’ like to undertake OPA volunteer roles to gain necessary experience, we ask you to bear in mind that our client group are vulnerable and often marginalised.

All OPA volunteer roles are long-term in nature.

If you are studying or looking for employment, we ask you to consider whether factors such as study/placements/exams and/or applying for jobs/attending interviews will allow you to also undertake long-term voluntary work.

No, the volunteering experience with OPA cannot be used as a placement.

Training is provided for all OPA volunteer roles.

A minimum two-year commitment is required. (Breaks/holidays/leave can be taken during this period.)

The philosophy that underpins OPA’s volunteer programs is: “concerned community members protecting and advocating for other community members who may be at a disadvantage due to having a disability.” For this reason, we keep our volunteers local to their region.

It is also more efficient and cost-effective for both the volunteer and OPA for a volunteer to provide their services in the region in which they reside.

If there is no vacancy in your region, you can ask to be placed on a waiting list. If a vacancy becomes available and your application is short-listed you will be contacted regarding an interview.

Many of the accommodation facilities visited in the Community Visitor Program are not easily accessed by public transport so access to your own transport is required.

With the Independent Third Person program access to your own transport makes arriving at a Police Station more efficient and does not delay the interview process

If you are deemed successful after being invited for an interview, OPA then undertakes two referee checks. All prospective volunteers are also required to consent to a National Police Check. OPA organises and pays for this.

A Working with Children’s Check is required for the Independent Third Person role and certain streams of the Community Visitor Program.