Become a Volunteer Biographer
Are you:
- Interested in life stories?
- Able to visit aged care and enjoy the company of the elderly?
You may be interested in becoming a Volunteer Biographer.
High level spoken and written English and an ability to communicate clearly are essential. You must also be:
- Available during business hours
- Willing to learn our processes and procedures and use of a tape recorder and our Word templates
- Able to commit to 1 hour per week sessions with clients (for around 6-10 weeks) plus a minimum of 4 hours per week transcribing at home
- Have your own computer and printing and scanning facilities
- Be able to travel to aged care facilities around Melbourne or Geelong*.
We regularly invite people in the community to be trained as a volunteer biographer and acceptance into the program is subject to a screening interview, police check and completion of three days of training.
Beyond Words offers comprehensive training to volunteers preparing them in their new role and trainees have a chance to further develop their skills around communication, listening, knowledge of aged care, technical transcribing & editing support, the biography process and self-care.
Please see the FAQ page for more information.
Supervision of Biographers
While the simple act of listening to a person’s life story is in itself a privilege, we know that biographers work best with clear personal boundaries and ongoing support from a professional Program Coordinator who manages referrals from the aged care team and supports the work and well-being of volunteers.
To register your interest in becoming a volunteer biographer, please complete our application form.
If you would like further information, please call Dan on 0403 771 571 or email: info@thebiographyprogram.org.au
*We would like to expand into other regional areas, such as Bendigo. Please still register your interest if you live in regional Victoria.