Community Based One-to-One Volunteer Mentor - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Australia

This role is advertised by Volunteer West, the volunteer resource centre of Australian Multicultural Community Services on behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Australia.

Organisation description:

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a mentoring program for disadvantaged young people. It matches one adult with one child for a significant friendship. The young people, often lonely, isolated or at risk of social dislocation, gain support and guidance from a reliable adult as a trusted friend for the period of the match. Adult volunteers are rigorously screened, carefully trained and monitored throughout the period of the friendship.

Job description:

To provide one-to-one face-to-face mentoring and friendship to a young person aged between 7 and 17 years. Mentors commit to spending quality time with a young person; a minimum of one hour 3 to 4 times per month for a minimum of 12 months. No formal qualifications are necessary.

Responsibilities and tasks:

• To develop a mutually co-operative, supportive and fun friendship
• To act as a positive role model and encourage new experiences and opportunities
• To encourage a young person to reach their potential
• To respect a young person’s dignity and right to privacy
• To maintain positive relationships with parent/guardians and respect their confidentiality/privacy
• To consider the safety of the young person and establish appropriate boundaries/limits for behaviour
• To maintain regular contact with the nominated Coordinator regarding the progress of the friendship
• To participate in ongoing training and volunteer support meetings

Selection Criteria:

• Genuine interest in the wellbeing of young people
• Ability to develop a friendship with a young person and act as a positive role model
• Good general health
• Minimum of 18 years of age
• Ability to meet the minimum requirements for contact
• Resident in designated region/s
• Access to a viable means of transport (public transport or car). Drivers are required to have a valid driver’s licence, registered vehicle and minimum liability insurance as required by State law.
• Willingness to undergo the Big Brothers Big Sisters selection process including interviews, reference checks and a National Criminal Record Check and Working with Children Check. Any offer of a voluntary placement will be subject to satisfactory checks.

Time & commitment requirement:

Mentors commit to spending quality time with a young person; a minimum of one hour 3 to 4 times per month for a minimum of 12 months.

Other requirements:

• Access to a viable means of transport (public transport or car).
• Drivers are required to have a valid driver’s licence, registered vehicle and minimum liability insurance as required by State law.

Benefits of volunteering for this role:

• Make a lasting impact on a young person’s life.
• Develop mentoring and communication skills.
• Build rewarding relationships and connect with the community.
• Access ongoing training and support.