Volunteer with VSA

Change your scene and become a VSA Volunteer and share your experience, knowledge, and skills to transform the lives of many. Work with our partner organisation to create a fair future for all. 

This is an E-volunteer assignment (e.g. conducted remotely from the comfort of your own home).  E-volunteers will receive a monthly honorarium to help cover the costs associated with undertaking this assignment.
  
Please note VSA Volunteers must be a NZ citizen or permanent resident. 

Volunteering with VSA 
 
Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) is not your typical volunteering agency, we are committed to building sustainable communities across the wider Pacific area. If you’re an experienced Drug and Alcohol counsellor, looking for a rewarding volunteer experience to add to your field of expertise, then read on, as we have an exciting opportunity in store for you working collaboratively with the Divine Word University (DWU) based in Madang in Papua New Guinea!
 
Our Partner Organisation - Divine Word University (DWU)

Divine Word University (DWU) is a highly well-respected tertiary institution in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region, renowned for its dedication to value-based teaching and learning, academic excellence, research, social responsibility, diversity, and community engagement. DWU operates multiple campuses and provides undergraduate and graduate programs across a diverse range of disciplines, including education, business, medicine and health sciences, social sciences, and tourism and hospitality.

DWU aims to create a culture of care and well-being that fosters a better teaching and learning environment, ultimately leading to improved learning outcomes.  Alcohol and drug abuse can significantly impact a student's academic and personal life and it is crucial to provide effective education and support services to address the issues promptly.

DWU are deeply committed to promoting sound moral values and attitudes among students and providing effective alcohol and drug education that equips them with the knowledge and skills required to make healthier decisions about alcohol and other drugs.

A volunteer will assist DWU to strengthen its alcohol and drug prevention education programmes and recovery support services.
     
The Assignment

In this assignment an experienced and skilled VSA volunteer (Drug and Alcohol Education Mentor) can contribute to enhancing the effectiveness and efficacy of DWU’s alcohol and drug education and recovery support for students.

The VSA Volunteer will work collaboratively with the Counselling Services team, Student Union, and other campus departments to identify gaps in capacity and capability and develop and implement drug and alcohol prevention programs.

The VSA Volunteer will help provide counselling to students struggling with substance abuse and offer support to those in recovery.

The Country

Papua New Guinea, located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, is a diverse and culturally rich nation known for its stunning natural beauty and linguistic diversity, with over 800 indigenous languages spoken.  Its landscape encompasses dense rainforests, rugged mountains, and pristine beaches.  The country's unique tribal cultures continue to thrive, making it one of the most culturally diverse places on Earth.  While facing challenges like economic development and infrastructure, Papua New Guinea's people are known for their warmth and hospitality, making it a captivating and vibrant nation.

The Volunteer

Are you someone who wants to make a difference and like the challenge of being outside your comfort zone?  VSA Volunteers are technical experts who impart their skills and knowledge to a local community. You will need to be patient, flexible, adaptable, resourceful, resilient with a passion for Aotearoa and the wider Pacific community. 

We're looking for a volunteer with the following:

• A tertiary qualification in counselling, social work, or a related field.
• Proven experience in alcohol and drug education, 
• Experience in substance abuse prevention and counselling.
• Knowledge of current best practices in substance abuse prevention and intervention
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of legal and ethical issues related to substance abuse prevention and intervention.
• Experience working with youth in a university or college setting is preferable.

As this is role conducted remotely, a high comfort level working with digital tools and technologies would be desirable.  

Apply for this amazing opportunity through our website. For more information on this assignment, email volunteer@vsa.org.nz.

To review the full assignment description please copy and paste the below link into your browser:



If you are on the VSA website, please click on the download assignment description tab above.

We are looking for a volunteer with:

• Volunteer part-time from the comfort of your own home.
• Build capacity through online support
• Make a difference where it is really needed in PNG