Volunteer needs exploration

Volunteer needs exploration – Position Description

This resource from Mission Australia is designed to help organisations create customised volunteer roles by tailoring tasks from existing positions to suit an individual's interests, abilities and circumstances. Developed as part of the Inclusive Volunteering project, the template encourages organisations to identify support requirements, document responsibilities, and create opportunities for volunteers to participate and build skills at their own pace.

Benefits for Volunteer Managers and Volunteer Involving Organisations

The resource provides volunteer managers with a structured framework for designing inclusive volunteer opportunities and understanding individual support needs. By documenting responsibilities, accessibility requirements, and training goals, managers can set clear expectations, improve volunteer matching, and support successful onboarding. The progression planning component also encourages ongoing discussions about skill development and future opportunities, helping managers support volunteers as their confidence and capabilities grow.

For Volunteer Involving Organisations (VIOs), the template supports a more inclusive and accessible approach to volunteer engagement. By reducing barriers to participation and recognising individual strengths and support requirements, organisations can broaden their volunteer base, improve volunteer experiences, and strengthen retention. The resource also promotes consistent record-keeping and person-centred volunteer management practices, helping organisations create meaningful volunteering pathways that benefit both volunteers and the communities they serve.