Volunteer Mentor for Youth of Refugee background - The Helping Hand Project

This role is advertised by Volunteer West, the volunteer resource centre of Australian Multicultural Community Services on behalf of The Helping Hand Project

Organisation description: The Helping Hand Project is a community-based organisation supporting young people of refugee background to achieve their goals and build positive futures. The program provides mentoring support to assist young people aged 15–25 to navigate education, employment, and community life in Australia. Through one-to-one mentoring, volunteers help young people build confidence, develop skills, understand Australian systems, and strengthen their community connections.

Position description:

Volunteer Mentors provide one-to-one support to a young person aged 15–25 from a refugee background, building a consistent and supportive mentoring relationship to help them achieve their goals.

• Build a trusting and supportive mentoring relationship
• Help the young person understand Australian systems and services
• Support education, career exploration and skill development
• Encourage social, recreational and community connections
• Advocate where appropriate and respond to identified goals
• Meet regularly with the mentee and maintain communication with the Program Coordinator

Location:

• Across Melbourne, VIC. With meetings arranged at mutually agreed locations.
• Training is held in Flemington.

Skills required:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Empathy and cultural sensitivity
• Non-judgemental attitude
• Ability to build rapport and maintain boundaries
• Initiative, problem-solving and research skills
• Willingness to follow program guidance and Child Safe practices

Time required: Minimum 2 hours per week (weekly or fortnightly meetings).

Commitment required:

• 12-month partnership commitment.
• Attendance at training and monthly mentor meetings (1 hour).

Other requirements:

• Working With Children Check
• National Police Check
• Completion of 2.5 hours online training or half-day in-person training session in Flemington.

Benefits volunteers will get from this role?

• Make a meaningful impact on a young person's life
• Develop mentoring and leadership skills
• Increase cultural awareness and understanding
• Access ongoing training and 1:1 program support
• Build community connections