THE OPPORTUNITY

Mmvllen are looking for volunteer mentors to support young people to maximise their potential by providing support with education and employment pathways.

• Do you want to make a positive impact in a young person's life?
• Are you interested in supporting young people from diverse backgrounds?
• Would you like to help a young person who may be facing barriers to employment?
• Are you fortunate enough to have a job and the space to reflect on your employment journey?

With a couple hours a fortnight of your time you can be a huge source of support and encouragement to young people at a crucial moment of transition.

Most of us want someone to look at our resume, or to talk to before a job interview. If you arrived here as a refugee with no English, or if you are a young person who hasn’t experienced life outside your own suburb … that kind of support can be invaluable.

We are currently seeking multiple new mentors, which means a range of applicants will be successful.

about us

Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley Local Learning and Employment Network (mmvllen) facilitates a number of programs that aim to support marginalised and disadvantaged young people to stay connected to their community and maximize their potential through education, training and work.

Our mentoring program

The goal of our mentoring program is to support a diverse group of young people aged between 16 and 24 (and connected to Maribyrnong, Moonee Valley or Whittlesea) who are experiencing some form of marginalisation or disadvantage when finding employment or transitioning out of school.

We work with people from a range of backgrounds: from new migrant and refugee backgrounds, young people who have left school early or from families that have experienced inter-generational poverty, as well as young people who are experiencing mental health issues. Barriers to employment and study can be many and varied.

How does it work?

As a mentor, you will be working one-on-one or in a group setting with an individual to overcome barriers to employment.

You will work with the mentee (young person) on self-guided activities centred around the mentee’s career interests and preparing them for work or study. Mentors might use their time to practice English required for work, develop resumes, research where jobs are or practice interview questions.

Activities may include excursions to industry, educational providers and tertiary institutions. Each situation will be different depending on whom you are working with. This can extend to a range of support strategies aimed at keeping ‘at risk’ people connected to the system.

Mentors meet with the mentee for approximately 2 hours per fortnight for up to 9 months.

What skills/qualifications do you need to be a mentor?

Mentors need to be willing to share their life skills, be good listeners and genuinely like young people. Mentors come from a variety of backgrounds – currently employed, retired from full time work, parents, business people or someone who has great industry contacts.

We are looking for mentors who:

• Are able to provide time during the day or early after-school hours, and have some flexibility in their schedule;
• Are non-judgmental, show unconditional positive regard, and who can serve as a strong role model to influence a young person's life;
• Are willing to undergo a National Police Check (arranged by mmvllen) and obtain a Victorian Working with Children Check. Working with Children Checks are free for volunteers and can be applied for here: workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au.
• Speak multiple languages (not a requirement, but we do regularly cater to young people for whom English is an additional language).

Please note: As mentors are carefully matched to suitable mentees based on the needs of young people in the program, there may be a delay between Mentor Training and the point at which you are matched. We appreciate your patience with this process.

Location options

We arrange mentorships for young people with connections to Maribyrnong, Moonee Valley and Whittlesea.

Mentor meetings take place in these communities: public places such as libraries, community centres and cafes. There is also an option to meet online on Zoom.

Time Commitment

Approx. 2 hours per fortnight for up to 9 months.

benefits

Volunteering is extremely satisfying, personally as well as professionally. The skills gained through volunteering are diverse and relevant to many fields of work. Mentors are able to make a difference in a young person’s life, whilst gaining a range of skills:

• Leadership
• Problem solving
• Interpersonal skills
• Communication
• Negotiation skills
• Active listening
• Creative thinking skills
• Non-judgemental attitudes
• Case management
• Team work
• Methodical and systematic thinking

Mentors are provided free training and support from the Project Coordinator throughout the life of the program. Training covers areas such as:

• Barriers faced by young and/or marginalized people
• The role of the mentor
• Qualities and skills required of a mentor
• Communication and problem solving skills
• Setting and maintaining boundaries
• Working with culturally and linguistically diverse peoples.

TRAINING

You'll be given self-guided online training content with short tasks to be completed prior to an in-person group/online live training session, which will take place in Sep/Oct 2024 (date TBC).

For more information about our activities visit our website.

If you would like more information or wish to discuss this with someone, please, call Laura on 0491 286 814 or email at [email protected] using the subject line: Mentors (Voluntary) - Multiple Locations enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.