This role is advertised by Volunteer West, the volunteer resource centre of Australian Multicultural Community Services on behalf of YWCA - Asista Mentoring Program.

Organisation description:

YWCA is an organisation that works with women in Australia so they have safe, secure and affordable homes and can build the future they want. They have a specialist focus on women, but support diverse groups of people, including gender diverse people and children, through our local housing, services and programs.

Asista Mentoring Program utilises the power of role models to positively impact girls and young people of diverse gender in the child protection system on their journey to adulthood. Through social and recreational activities, Asista encourages personal development and new experiences. for participants to develop genuine and reciprocal relationships that build self-esteem and confidence. Asista Mentoring Program is an initiative of YWCA Australia, and the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) Child Protection and has been in operation since 1998.

Job Description

Asista Mentoring Program utilises the power of role models to positively impact girls aged 12-18 in the child protection system on their journey to become strong, resilient adults.

• The mentor will encourage the mentee to develop their interpersonal skills, self-esteem and resilience by role modelling lifestyle choices and community involvement.
• The mentor will encourage personal development, new experiences and opportunities for mentees through fortnightly social and recreational activities.
• The Asista Volunteer Mentor will be responsible to ensure the highest standards in providing a supportive and safe environment whilst engaging with the mentee.

Requirements:

• Current driver license and access to a car
• Attend Mentor Training & supervision
• An understanding of working effectively and sensitively with people with complex needs and challenging behaviors (or willingness to learn)
• National Police Check and Working with Children’s Check; and International Police Check (where required)
• This position requires the volunteer to comply with the organisation’s Child Protection Policy

Location: Various locations across Melbourne’s North and West & CBD

Skill Required

• No skills or previous experience required, but a desire to connect with and support a young person
• Enjoys community engagement and recreational activities
• Attendance at training and supervision throughout volunteer period

Time required: Flexible - fortnightly for 2 – 6 hours at most

Commitment required: Minimum of 12 months (option to extend)

Benefits volunteers will get from this role?

• Enjoy various social and recreational activities
• Support and encourage a young person on their path to independence
• Connect with a community of like minded women
• Leadership development

If you’re ready to make a difference and help ensure that vital goods reach those in need, we’d love to hear from you.