Volunteer Mentor - Whitelion Youth by Kids First Australia
About this opportunity
This role is advertised by Volunteer West, the volunteer resource centre of Australian Multicultural Community Services on behalf of Whitelion Youth by Kids First Australia.
Organisation description: Whitelion Youth by Kids First Australia are a not for profit organisation that supports young people at risk in the Australian community with programs and advocacy. We are reaffirming our commitment to highly vulnerable, high risk young people (10-24 year olds) and the importance of reducing disengagement and increasing pathways to work.
Job description: As a Volunteer Mentor you will support a young person to connect into their community and have positive and meaningful, targeted social experiences. Over the course of your mentor relationship, you will provide regular role modelling and guidance, ensuring the young person you are supporting is able to access and pursue positive interests, hobbies or activities within their community.
Mentors engage in regular recreational activities with young people to help develop enduring, constructive relationships. The guidance Mentors provide will help increase the young person’s social confidence, reduce feelings of isolation & develop the young person's capacity to foster diverse, positive & sustainable community connections.
The role of the volunteer will be to:
- Build a constructive relationship with a young person considered to be at risk in society
- Engage with a young person through the pursuit of common interests.
- Provide non-judgemental support and friendship with the young person.
- Make every effort to attend the Community Days to encourage you and your young person’s sense of community with Whitelion.
Benefits from volunteering on this role:
- Receive regular support and training from our mentoring staff;
- Be able to have fun and connect with young people in the pursuit of recreational activities and other interests; be challenged and rewarded on a personal and intellectual level; and
- Gain a greater understanding of the community in which you live.
Additional requirements
National Police Certificate *. Working with Children Check *.
Interested people are required to attend an information session on a designated weeknight; and undergo an interview with a mentoring staff member. The volunteer will meet with the young person for at least three hours per fortnight at a time that is negotiated between the mentor and the young person, and is suitable and convenient for both parties. The volunteer will also contact the young person at least weekly by phone. Once matched, we ask for a minimum commitment of 12 months.
Type of work- Companionship & Social Support
A compulsory all-day training session, as well as ongoing ‘Volunteer Essential Training'.