• Do you want to change a young person's life?
• Are you interested in supporting young people of migrant or refugee background?
• Are you fortunate enough to have a job?

Do you want to make a difference in 2020?

We are currently looking for mentors to support marginalised young people to maximise their potential by providing support with education and employment pathways.

A few hours a fortnight of your time can help someone less fortunate.

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 is invaluable.

THE ORGANISATION

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

MMVLLEN runs a number of programs in partnership in Melbourne’s West that rely on the wonderful work of volunteers. We are a not for profit organisation supporting disadvantaged young people to be well informed about their opportunities and helping them with to progress well in their education. As a volunteer we train you, we meet with you regularly, we expose you to a range of positive experiences that increase your skills.

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

WHAT IS THE MENTORING PROGRAM?

The goal of the mentoring program is to support a diverse group of young people who are experiencing some form of marginalisation or disadvantage when finding employment. We work with people of migrant and refugee background, young people who have left school early or are from families that have experienced intergenerational poverty. Barriers to finding employment 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 that involve education and employment pathways. Activities are based around the mentee’s career interests, but can extend to a range of support strategies aimed at keeping ‘at risk’ people connected to the system. 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.

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

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 do 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 someone who can provide time during the day or early after hours and people who have an interest in young people and want to get involved.

We're looking for mentors who are non-judgmental, show unconditional positive regard, who can serve as a strong role model to influence a young person's life.

As a mentor working with young people you must undergo a 'Criminal History Check' and must obtain a Working with Children Check. Working with Children Checks are free for volunteers and can be applied for at: www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au.

YOUR BENEFITS

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

• Leadership
• Problem solving
• Interpersonal skills
• Communication
• Negotiation skills
• Listening
• Creative thinking skills
• Non-judgment
• Case management
• Team work
• Methodical and systematic thinking

Mentors are provided with free training and support from the Project Coordinators for the length of the program. The training covers areas such as:

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

WHAT IS REQUIRED OF MENTORS?

As a mentor, we require that you:

• Have a professional background (either currently working/retired)
• Are available and willing to spend 1-2 hours a fortnight with a young person
• Agree to undergo a Police Check and Working with Children Check
• Have a genuine interest in supporting young people!

In addition, you must also attend a mentor training day on:

• Saturday 18th April 2020
• 11am-5:00pm
• Kensington Town Hall, Kensington

A position description is attached below.