Help us change lives
When you choose to volunteer with EPIC, you will join a dedicated team of people who are essential in our job seekers’ success in the workplace. At EPIC we are passionate about helping our job seekers reach their goals, and we will do whatever it takes to see that happen.
Volunteering with EPIC is a highly rewarding experience. You will see firsthand the impact meaningful employment has on the lives of people with disability, their families, loved ones and their community. You will be rewarded with life-long friendships and develop a greater understanding of diversity and inclusion.
What will I be doing?
By joining EPIC’s volunteer program, you will become an EPIC Ambassador. We have chosen the word ambassador for our volunteer program as it embodies the passion and pride that our volunteers bring to EPIC.
There are three ways our ambassadors are making positive change every day: through events ambassador roles, student placements, and return to work placements.
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Events ambassador
Our events ambassadors work in a multi-disciplinary team alongside staff to assist at organised events, campaigns, and pop-up booths in the community.
As an events ambassador, you’ll get the opportunity to make a difference, meet new people, and learn new skills through a variety of rewarding and enjoyable tasks.
- Bump-in and bump-out at events
- Decorating venues
- Engaging with the public and providing information
- Helping people with disability connect with EPIC
- Handing out merchandise
- Administration
You don’t need to have events experience or be studying to get involved with EPIC. The only qualifications you need are enthusiasm, patience, understanding, and a kind smile.
“As a Volunteer, I found the team at EPIC to be very welcoming. The Volunteer Coordinator, Mandy, goes above and beyond to help you and is very supportive. It was a rewarding experience and rebuilt my confidence. I highly recommend volunteering with EPIC.” – Lyn, Events ambassador
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Student placement
Are you looking for a rewarding student placement as a formal requirement of your studies? Whether you’re studying for a certificate, bachelor’s degree, or post-graduate level degree, we’re always on the hunt for passionate students excited to make a difference.
Some of the industries we’ve supported students in previously include:
- Psychology and Counselling
- Individual Support
- Community and Social Services
- Information Technology
- Marketing, Journalism, and Events/Project Management
- Finance
- Administration
You’ll work alongside experienced staff in your discipline who will guide and mentor you throughout your student placement. Your learning is our number one priority, and you will get the chance to put your studies into practice in a way that changes the lives of people with disability and mental health conditions.
“EPIC staff and environment were essential to encourage and support me during my placement and career development. I could discover and shape my professional self by being surrounded by amazing people. As a result, I have grown, and I will be forever grateful.” – Marina, Student placement
EPIC Ambassadors are making a difference in the lives of people with disability every day. -
Return to work placement
As the experts in disability employment, we understand the vital role getting back to work plays in your recovery after a work-related injury or illness.
Through the Recover at Work Program, we can act as your temporary host employer. As an organisation with a successful track record of supporting injured workers during their recovery, we can provide you with a supportive opportunity to rebuild your work fitness, working in conjunction with your Workplace Rehabilitation Provider.
When you connect with EPIC during your rehabilitation, you will find a supportive and flexible environment. Our biggest priority is your recovery, and we tailor your experience to your unique needs to ensure you can:
- gain access to accessible workplace modifications
- progress safely through your doctor’s recommended return to work stages
- work within your physical and psychological capacity
- access any ongoing medical treatment you may need
- reach your own return-to-work goals.
“EPIC Assist has a welcoming and calm vibe which is quite rare in workplaces. Everyone was friendly and kind, especially Mandy who is a walking teddy bear of love, care, and support. Volunteering at EPIC has helped me gain confidence and has restored my spirit in community work.” – Monisha, Return to work placement
Why become an EPIC Ambassador?
A simple helping hand can completely transform a person’s life.
When you volunteer you not only leave an impact on your own life but also on the lives of those your volunteering touches and the community around them. Every act, no matter how big or small, has the power to make a difference.
By sharing your smile, following your passions, and being an advocate for people with disability and mental health conditions, you can be the spark that ignites positive change in the lives of many.
“Our EPIC ambassadors have a profound impact on many people, including our teams and most importantly people with disability. They are volunteering because they have a genuine desire to spend time with others, listen, support, and encourage in any way they can.” – EPIC Volunteer Coordinator, Mandy.
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How we support you during your volunteering
All EPIC Ambassadors are carefully interviewed, supported by our Volunteer Coordinator, and mentored to ensure you have a rewarding experience during your time with us.
We take the time to understand what you would like to take away from the experience, so it is more than just volunteering. Whether that’s learning a new skill, developing your studies, meeting new people, or a simple desire to help others, we go above and beyond to make this happen.
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Eligibility
You’re eligible to volunteer with EPIC if you meet one of the following criteria:
- are 18 years of age or older and are interested in volunteering at events
- are a tertiary student completing a credited placement
- have a rehabilitation and return to work plan.
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How much time do I need to commit?
Event ambassadors typically commit two to three hours per week, one or twice a month. This will depend on the number of events and your own availability.
We work with each individual student and return to work placement and their placement organisation to find the best fit for them. Our placements are flexible and personalised to make sure they suit the placement requirements.
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What else do I need?
You will need to have the passion and drive to create a real difference in your community. You also require:
- National police check (arranged and paid for by EPIC)
- Your state’s equivalent Working With Children Check (EPIC can assist you to obtain this)
- Shared values with EPIC (check out our mission, vision and values)
What’s next?
If you are interested in helping us raise the expectations for people with disability, get in touch by calling (07) 3857 5085, emailing volunteer@epicassist.org, or filling out the contact form on this page.