Parent Mentor - Home-Start Program
About this opportunity
This role is advertised by Volunteer West, the volunteer resource centre of Australian Multicultural Community Services on behalf of Baptcare Home-Start.
Job description: Home-Start is an evidence-based early-intervention mentoring program that offers vital face-to-face and virtual support to vulnerable parents of preschool aged children. The program aims to reduce isolation for vulnerable families and build support networks for parents and their children within their local communities.
As a Mentor, you’ll provide vital emotional, practical and informative support to young families (with at least one child of pre-school age). You can offer emotional support and practical help both virtually and face-to-face.
Before commencing the role you will be trained in the Home-Start Preparation Course which will guide you on how to support young families in the program. Training will enable you to make an immediate impact in the role and give you a skillset that will last you a lifetime. The course consists of 1 x 4hr session per week, for an 8 week period. We can be flexible within that timeframe to suit your availability. You will also have access to ongoing training and support from staff while in the role.
Mostly volunteers are parents or grandparents themselves or have parenting experience – they come from a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Bilingual and Multicultural volunteers are especially encouraged to apply. Family visits will take place in the Western Suburbs of Metropolitan Melbourne. Students studying early childhood education or social work would also be suitable.
This is a wonderful opportunity to help strengthen families and communities, and to be a part of something special!
Essential skills requirement:
- Parenting or caregiving knowledge
- Good communication skills
Desireable skills:
- Basic knowledge of childhood milestones
- First Aid Certificate
- Experience working with volunteer programs
- Driver’s License
- Basic record keeping experience
Benefits from volunteering this role:
- An opportunity to assist young families and make a real difference in their lives
- A personal sense of achievement
- Social contact and increased awareness of your local community
- Increased awareness of issues facing families today
- Build your skills in childcare and social support
Additional requirements
National Police Certificate *. Working with Children Check *.
Weekly contact for 1-2 hours
Suitable for- Centrelink Volunteers
- People Learning English
- Skilled Volunteers
- Young adults, 18 - 24
- Childcare
- Companionship & Social Support
Home-Start Preparation Course. 1 x 4hr session per week, over 8 weeks when you start in the role