This role is advertised by Volunteer West, the volunteer resource centre of Australian Multicultural Community Services on behalf of Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley Local Learning and Employment Network (mmvllen)

The Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley Local Learning and Employment Network (mmvllen) is seeking volunteer mentors to support marginalised young people as they work towards their employment and education goals. Ultimately, our work is about giving young people in Melbourne’s west the guidance, skills and opportunities they need to feel empowered in their lives and careers.

Our mentoring programs support a diverse group of young people aged 16-24 who may experience marginalisation or barriers to employment/further education in their post-school lives. This includes young people facing mental health issues, from migrant and refugee backgrounds, young people who have left school early and young people from families that have experienced inter-generational poverty.

As a mentor you will be working one-on-one with a mentee (young person) to meet their needs and support them on their journey.

The role is varied. You might be offering advice as they pursue established employment goals. You might be supporting them with practical things to ready them for the world of work: developing a resume, writing cover letters and building confidence with communication skills. Or you might be providing a range of support strategies to keep an ‘at risk’ young person connected to appropriate services.

Our organisation provides mentoring as part of a broader program, where participants have the opportunity to develop professional networks, learn new skills and gain hands-on experience to kick-start their careers. The program is tailored to individual needs, and mmvllen staff provide support to young people and mentors throughout the mentorship.

Location

Maribyrnong, Moonee Valley or Whittlesea LGA

Skills Required

Mentors come from a variety of backgrounds whilst no formal qualifications are required, we're looking for Mentors who:

• Have a professional background (either currently working or retired)
• Are patient, non-judgemental, good listeners and communicators
• Are willing to share their own experiences
• Have a genuine interest in supporting young people
• Have fluency in languages other than English (desirable, not essential)
• Are willing to spend some time preparing for the role through an induction process, and communicating semi-regularly with mmvllen staff.

Commitment Required

Up to 2 hours per fortnight for 9 months

Additional Requirements

Applicants will be expected to provide a Working with Children Check and references, and agree to a National Police Check organised by mmvllen.