Mentoring Changes Lives

For over a hundred years, we’ve seen firsthand the powerful impact a mentor can have for young people, families, and the community at large. Our program is designed to help young people flourish by connecting them with a positive role model, who they can trust to provide social support, friendship and encouragement.

Find out more: https://sparkways.org.au/mentoring

Are you ready to make a difference as the Team Leader of the Volunteer Mentor program?

• Do you have a record of achieving success providing support to young people in need and vulnerable families?
• Are you seeking a varied role to stretch your leadership, youth and volunteer program skills?
• Are you able to lead and provide clinical supervision to a small team?
• Do you get great feedback on your ability to engage with volunteers, young people, their families, service providers and colleagues?
• Are you positive, energetic, organised and great to work with?
• Are you looking for a manageable part-time position (32 hours per week), with flexibility of hours and location?

The role of the Team Leader is to lead a small team of program coordinators as they identify, train and guide mentors matched to young people within the community. The children are known to Child Protection and are referred to the mentoring program.

The mentoring program covers the volunteer and young person screening and assessment processes, matching mentors to young people and supporting their match throughout the 12 months of the program to ensure young people are provided the support necessary to achieve their desired goals.

The Team Leader and coordinators engage with young people and volunteers in group programs and exercise initiative through identifying and responding to community needs, building relationships and engaging the community.

The Team Leader provides clinical supervision to the coordinators, and working with a dedicated Intake Officer, ensures the program meets all compliance requirements.

We can offer you

• An established program, with direct reporting to the CEO
• The opportunity to belong to an organisation with strong values, ethics and commitment to children and young people
• A supportive workplace, committed colleagues and opportunities for professional development
• Attractive salary with eligibility for NFP salary packaging
• Flexible work location – clients and program partners in the Western suburbs and Mornington Peninsula, plus hub office in Dandenong South for regular meetings, and well supported remote work platforms
• Permanent, part-time position – 32 hours per week

How to Apply

Follow the "Apply Now" link in this advertisement and follow the application instructions.

Any questions?

Email /call Judith in the People & Culture team for a copy of the position description and to answer any questions

• [email protected] using the subject line: Team Leader (Paid) - Volunteer Mentor Program enquiry via EthicalJobs
• 0437 942 438

The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate

• Experience providing support to young people in need and vulnerable families

• Demonstrated proficiency in using a positive, youth centred, strengths-based approach in structured programs
• Demonstrated proficiency in assessment, referral and/or case work
• Exposure to the issues associated with assessing, training, supervising & supporting volunteers
• Experience in providing clinical supervision
• Experience in administering a compliant funded program
• Knowledge of other relevant sector networks, reforms, standards and legislation

• Demonstrated organisational and time management skills
• Very strong verbal ability: open, honest, articulate and flexible approach to communication – written and verbal. The ability to actively listen.
• Tertiary qualifications in youth work, social work, community development, psychology or related, completed or in progress

• Ability to work flexible hours (weekends & evenings) from time to time
• COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate applies to this position

The Sparkways difference

At Sparkways (formerly TRY) we’re an early learning and care provider and much more. As a non-denominational, not-for-profit organisation we work with communities to support children and young people facing adversity. Learn more here: https://sparkways.org.au

When you join Sparkways you’re joining an organisation with a 138-year strong history of making a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people.

Child safety and inclusiveness

Sparkways Early Learning are committed to child safety. The protection and wellbeing of children and young persons is reflected in our zero tolerance for child abuse. All staff and volunteers have a moral and legal responsibility to ensure that young people are safe whilst involved in our care and programs. All children have the right to safety and security and the protection from physical, emotional, verbal and sexual abuse and neglect.

A position description is attached.