Training and support

Training

Volunteering for DCS can be incredibly rewarding and at times equally challenging. Offenders and prisoners might not be ready, willing or have the knowledge to adopt a non-offending lifestyle. Their values and belief systems can be in direct opposition to your own.

We provide extensive training and support to help you manage the many challenges that working in this area involves.

Support

When you commence as a volunteer you will be assigned to a ‘buddy’ with a more experienced volunteering to help you understand and progress through the early part of your time as a volunteer.

Volunteer Unit staff will monitor your progress and work with you to help resolve any challenges you come across and ensure you are happy with your volunteer role.

Induction

There will be an initial induction to the organisation within the first 3 months of commencing as a volunteer with us, and a local induction course for your assigned work location within 4 weeks of your ongoing assignment.

You will be expected to attend all required induction training.

All training is designed to help keep you and others safe to ensure the department's legislative requirements are met and to support you to develop the skills and confidence in the areas you will be working in.

The length and type of training you receive will depend upon the role you undertake.