Volunteering opportunity

The Behavioural Sciences Unit (BSU) is seeking highly motivated, reliable volunteers to assist with various projects over the coming months. We are interested in undergraduate or postgraduate volunteers who have completed at least 2nd year studies in psychology, medicine or human sciences, however, we are happy to accept applicants with research experience from other related disciplines.

About the BSU
Until a cure for all childhood cancers has been found, it is our mandate to improve hospital initiatives to better support patients and their families from diagnosis to survivorship and bereavement.  

To this end, the Behavioural Sciences Unit (BSU) was established in 2001 to conduct research studies that cover all psycho-social and behavioural aspects of paediatric cancer. The Unit is part of, and supported by, the Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital and sits within the School of Women’s and Children’s Health, UNSW Medicine. 

Call for volunteers
​As part of our ongoing studies at the BSU, the sorts of activities you may be involved with are:
  • preparation of research manuscripts, literature searches and reviews;
  • transcription of participant interviews (with doctors, patients, parents, grandparents);
  • data entry and analysis;
  • creating participant packages and mail-outs
  • preparation of research ethics applications;
  • website and intervention content development.
Because of the nature of studies at the BSU we require that volunteers commit to at least 1 full day per fortnight, for a minimum of 6 months (or equivalent). Alternatively, we are also open to negotiating more extensive block "internships" e.g. 3-5 days per week for a month during holidays- to enable greater involvement with projects and more learning/experience.

Essential skills
  • SPSS (primarily data entry and data management)
  • Excel
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • High attention to detail
  • Friendly and team-oriented
  • Punctual and reliable 

Desirable skills
  • Motivated and able to work independently
  • Taking initiative, creative
  • Familiarity with NVivo, Microsoft Access and STATA preferred but not essential
​
How to apply
If you are interested in volunteering at the BSU please contact Dr Janine Vetsch and include:
  • a copy of your CV,
  • a writing sample (e.g. previous assessment or publication),
  • the potential time frame of your commitment, and
  • an outline what you would like to achieve while working with us (500 word limit).
Please be aware that not all applications for volunteer work will be successful. 

Codes of conduct
Successful applicants be required to comply with both Sydney Children’s Hospital Code of Conduct and UNSW Code of Conduct:
Police check
Successful applicants will also be asked to supply evidence of a police check and working with children check.
https://cvcheck.com/police-checks/australia/national-police-check-volunteer-crimtrac
Cost: $24.50

Working with children check
http://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/Working-with-children/working-with-children-check
Cost: Free for volunteers


Read about the experiences of our current and past BSU volunteers:

Make a donation

There are a number of different ways to donate and make a real difference. Donations can be a one-off or you can become a regular donor.

1. Online donations with credit card:
  • Online donations to the Behavioural Sciences Unit must be made through the UNSW portal 
  • In the box that says "I want to donate to..." please type "Paediatric Behavioural Science Fund PS25437"

2. Postal donations by cheque or credit card:
  • Please download and complete this donation form, and mail it to The University of New South Wales at the following address:
                                          The University of New South Wales
                                          Reply Paid 61244
                                          Sydney, 2052
  • In Section 1 of the form, please select "Other" and indicate that you would like to donate to "Paediatric Behavioural Science Fund PS25437"
  • Please make cheques out to "The University of New South Wales"
​
For more information:
Please contact Prof Claire Wakefield on 02 9382 3113 or at c.wakefield@unsw.edu.au