Volunteer Mentor - West Welcome Wagon

This role is advertised by Volunteer West, the volunteer resource centre of Australian Multicultural Community Services, on behalf of West Welcome Wagon.

Organisation description:

West Welcome Wagon is a grassroots, volunteer-powered not-for-profit organisation based in Melbourne’s western suburbs. Since 2013, West Welcome Wagon has been dedicated to welcoming and supporting people seeking asylum and refugees as they rebuild their lives in Australia through the provision of practical material aid.

West Welcome Wagon also creates opportunities for local volunteers and businesses to build welcoming and connected communities, while promoting sustainability through the reuse of quality pre-loved goods.

Position description:

West Welcome Wagon is seeking compassionate and professionally experienced Volunteer Mentors to support people seeking asylum and refugees participating in the Next Steps: Navigating Employment Pathways initiative.

In this role, the volunteer will:

• Support participants to identify employment goals
• Share knowledge about Australian workplace culture and expectations
• Provide guidance on job searching, resumes, cover letters and interview preparation
• Encourage confidence, motivation and participation
• Attend mentor training and scheduled mentoring sessions
• Maintain respectful, culturally safe and professional relationships

Skills required:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Understanding of workplace expectations in Australia
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion and cultural respect
• Ability to work respectfully with people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds
• Reliability and willingness to commit during the engagement period
• Experience in mentoring, coaching, teaching, employment services, business, education, community services or related fields would be highly regarded.

Location:

Hybrid, with some remote support and some in-person engagement at West Welcome Wagon, Unit 3, 42-46 Vella Drive, Sunshine West VIC 3020, and other locations across Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Time required:

Approximately 2 hours per week.

Commitment required:

Up to 22 weeks, with participation during the engagement period. Attendance at an orientation session is required.

Other requirements:

• Current Working With Children Check, or willingness to obtain one before starting
• Attend a brief volunteer induction or orientation session
• Sign West Welcome Wagon Volunteer Agreement

Benefits volunteers will get from this role:

• Contribute to community empowerment and social inclusion
• Support participants to work towards their employment goals
• Develop mentoring and leadership skills
• Build professional and community networks
• Gain valuable volunteering and community engagement experience
• Be supported by West Welcome Wagon staff with resources, guidance and clear communication