We are seeking an enthusiastic volunteer to take on a Live-In Independence Mentor role with young people in the North (Preston). Be part of a new and innovative accommodation and support model, developed in partnership between Anglicare Victoria and Kids Under Cover.

• Make a lasting difference in the lives of young people seeking to transition into independent living after exiting care
• Receive free rent and utilities in a stand-alone 1-bedroom studio co-located within the community grounds
• Easily combine with your existing work or study commitments

About Us

At Anglicare Victoria our focus is on transforming the futures of children and young people, families and adults. Our work is based on three guiding pillars, Prevent, Protect, Empower. We offer a comprehensive network of services and seek to ensure the provision of high quality services that will bring about significant improvements in the life experience of the young people, children and families/caregivers with whom we work.

The Program – Village 21

Village 21 is a cluster housing model which offers on-site housing and intensive support to young people aged 18-21 who have had an out-of-home care experience. The objective of the model is to ensure young people have a positive future and are skilled enough to live independently when they transition out of the service. Young people at Village 21 are provided with guidance and mentoring via volunteer mentors (that’s you!) who live on site. They also receive more formal and structured assistance, advocacy and education via the Key Practitioner, including 1:1 support and group workshops.

Young people are supported during their stay to develop a range of independent living skills, further develop or re-develop positive relationships with immediate and extended family and connections to the community, and continue participating in employment, education and/or training.

The Position

Think of your role as an Independence Mentor as intentional mentorship-building. You will have the ability to empower and assist young people to develop life skills such as building and nurturing healthy relationships, making positive everyday lifestyle decisions, and securing financial independence through engagement in education and/or employment.

As an Independence Mentor you will participate equally in domestic chores and duties and contribute to the positive resolution of any issues or concerns that may arise with support from program staff and our skilled after-hours support team if required. A range of resources and training and development opportunities are available to Independence Mentors to develop their mentoring skills in conjunction with regular 1:1 support sessions with the Village 21 Key Practitioner.

Whether it be someone attaining their Learner’s Permit, securing their first part-time job, reconnecting with family, or transitioning into private rental or share accommodation – there is always something to celebrate within the community which makes for an incredibly rewarding experience.

In this voluntary position you will be required to:

• Live on site at Village 21 with another Independence Mentor and up to 6 young people.
• Act as a positive role model and provide informal support to the young people at Village 21.
• Demonstrate independent living skills and foster these in the young people at Village 21.
• Participate in the development of a positive community living environment.
• Independence Mentors are not required to pay rent or utilities (excluding mobile) and receive an annual honorarium payment of $2,160 (paid monthly).

To Be Successful in this Position You Will Need:

• Ability to live as part of a community in a shared-living setting
• Willingness to interact with other community members
• Ability to establish positive and meaningful relationships with young people
• Excellent social, interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to role model and promote positive development and independent living skills
• Personal resilience, empathy, and a non-judgemental approach

Please Note

It is mandatory for the successful applicant to hold a current Working with Children Check and be prepared to undergo a National Criminal History Check prior to commencement.

How to Apply

To apply for this position you will need to complete an Independence Mentor Application Form. You will also be requested to attach your resume and a statement indicating why you are interested in becoming an Independence Mentor, and what specific qualities you will bring to this role.

For further enquiries or to request an Application Form contact - Erin Moloney 0439 529 806 / [email protected] using the subject line: Live-In Independence Mentor (Voluntary) enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Applications will be reviewed, and interviews undertaken as they are received so please apply asap if you are interested.

Anglicare Victoria acknowledges Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians of the land on which we operate. We commit to working respectfully to honour their ongoing cultural and spiritual connections to this country.

Diversity and inclusivity are important to Anglicare Victoria and we are committed to ensuring our workplace and services reflect this.

Everyone is welcome at Anglicare Victoria, regardless of age, ethnicity, cultural background, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, and physical ability.