The Helping Hand Project is a community-based organisation, whose vision is to provide young people of refugee background with supportive Mentors, so that they can achieve their goals and reach their dreams.

The objectives of the program are to:

• Maximise the potential of young people of refugee background to achieve their goals in relation to work, education, learning and development.
• Help young people settle into the local community, by providing a support structure; knowledge of Australian education and employment and other systems.
• Provide support and guidance with identified goals and advocate for young people.
• Create and build connections and networks within the community.

Role:

To mentor, support and advocate for a young person of refugee background aged between 15-25.

Develop a supportive mentoring relationship through the transitions that young person of refugee background experiences.

Support and empower young people towards reaching their own identified goals (Employment, Education, Learning & Development, Social & Recreational).

Act as a role models to the young person; encourage their mentee’s goals and aspirations; help them to build confidence; and make community connections by offering support.

Act as a point of general support and encouragement for mentees experiencing barriers in order to develop improved understanding of Australian systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Commit to maintaining ongoing proactive contact with your mentee.
• Build rapport to achieve a supportive relationship with youth mentee.
• Meet in person with your mentee on weekly / fortnightly basis.
• Complete an activity report after each meeting and maintain risk assessment.
• Maintain and provide regular contact and updates up with Program Coordinator.
• Respond to the identified needs and goals / aspirations of your mentee.
• To support and empower your Mentee towards researching study pathways, gaining employment, pursuing their career or developing other skills and knowledge.
• Attend monthly mentor meeting or complete and submit written report regarding mentoring partnership.
• Complete online trainings.
• Attend half day in person training session in Flemington.

Commitment

• Volunteers commit to min 2 hours per week for 12-month partnership period, in order to allow time to build a strong relationship, and develop a significant partnership that supports and encourages the participants’ identified goals and helps their transition and settlement into our community.
• The Mentor meets with their Mentee on an ongoing basis, in an agreed location/day & time.
• Mentos are also required to undergo training and attend a 1 hour monthly mentor meeting.

Knowledge & Skills

• Ability to work sensitively and appropriately in a culturally-diverse setting.
• Ability to respond to directions and feedback from program.
• Good Leadership qualities.
• Good interpersonal and excellent communication skills.
• An understanding of and empathy with people from diverse and cultural backgrounds.
• A non-judgemental attitude.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, research skills and problem solving skills.
• Relationship Building.
• Observation and Active Listening.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback.

Training & Support

HHP provides ongoing training and support to Mentors involved in the program. These program training and supports enable good outcomes for your mentoring partnership:

• Online Training Modules 2.5 hours.
• Half Day In Person Training.
• Monthly Mentor Meeting with training topic.
• Mentors have access to regular ongoing 1:1 support from the Program Coordinator.

For more information

Please contact Gabrielle Orosz, Program Coordinator, The Helping Hand Project Mobile 0421 061 460 or email info@helpinghandproject.org.au

Mentors are required to complete a registration form. Prior to commencing your mentoring partnership you will need to obtain a Working with children and a National Police check.