Could you be a positive role model for young people? OzChild is looking for live-in volunteer mentors to support the development of independent living skills and build confidence and self-esteem in young people in a safe, stable, and supported environment,

In return, you will not be required to pay rent or utilities and can develop your own skills by gaining practical experience in the youth community service sector that may assist you in securing future employment or progressing your higher learning.

Lead Tenant Volunteer Mentors live in a house with two young people aged 16-18 years, the role of the mentor is to assist in developing interpersonal skills, healthy relationships, and lifestyle choices through positive reinforcement of acceptable and pro-social behaviours.

Lead Tenant Volunteer Mentors are expected to model proper management of daily routines and commitments, including the sharing of household tasks to develop the young people’s skill sets and sense of responsibility in household maintenance.

Every young person referred to the lead tenant program has a dedicated case manager who provides support with accommodation, advocacy, education and training, life skill development etc. Properties are located in the Melton, Brimbank and Hobson’s Bay regions.

BENEFITS OF BEING A LIVE-IN LEAD TENANT VOLUNTEER MENTOR:

• A chance to gain practical experience in the youth community service sector that may contribute towards future job applications and relevant education study units.
• Ongoing supervision and professional development training is provided.
• Support is available after hours via an on-call service.
• Lead Tenants are encouraged to be studying or working and to have a social life outside of the house.

DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• To reside in a household with young people who have moved into the Lead Tenant program from foster, kinship, or residential care.
• To assist in developing interpersonal skills, healthy relationships, and lifestyle choices through positive reinforcement of acceptable and pro-social behaviours.
• To liaise regularly with the OzChild Senior Lead Tenant Practitioner and Lead Tenant Support Worker on issues affecting young people or household, including reporting maintenance issues.
• To contact the On-Call worker in the case of an emergency after regular business hours.
• The Lead Tenant Volunteer Mentor position is not a paid position.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES:

• A basic understanding of adolescent safety, development stages, and behaviour patterns.
• The ability to build a strong rapport with young people and engage with them consistently, utilising strength-based approaches.
• Respect and maintain the confidentiality and privacy of the young people and other Lead Tenant Volunteer Mentors.
• Communicate effectively with Senior Lead Tenant Practitioner, Lead Tenant Support Worker, Team Leader and young people promptly and appropriately.
• Currently engaged in education or employment, and eager to make a difference in the lives of young people.
• Highly desirable: Knowledge and experience working with adolescents with trauma histories and other complexities.

We recruit lead tenant volunteers from all walks of life, ranging from working professionals to tertiary students, with the requirement that they are eager to make a difference in young people’s lives.

HOW TO APPLY

For more information on the Lead Tenant Volunteer Mentor role, including training and assessment process, please contact Jamie Griffin (Senior Lead Tenant Practitioner) at jgriffin@ozchild.org.au or 9212 3927, or make an enquiry via our website ozchild.org.au

All Lead Tenant volunteers must have a current Working with Children Check, National Police Check, and International Police Check (if required) prior to undertaking the role.