The Mentor will be assigned to a Mentee and will be responsible for meeting with the mentee on a weekly basis, for between 1-2 hours per week. A six-month commitment is the minimum accepted. After each mentoring session, the Mentor will be required to complete a short session record to document this. Session records are completed electronically and are required to be completed within 24 hours after completion of the session. The Mentor may be asked to work on certain aspects of the young person’s development. He or she will work closely on this with Sammy D Foundation (SDF) staff through phone contact and supervision and/or professional development sessions. The aim of mentoring sessions is to understand the Mentee and his/her life experiences, and to facilitate activities to aid in the development of pro social behavior, the building of independent living skills, and connection to community. The Mentor will serve as a positive role model to demonstrate that adults can show values such as respect, empathy, and an openness to learning new skills (and at times making mistakes or overcoming obstacles). Self-realization, improved self-esteem, and greater connection to community for the Mentee are also important goals of the relationship. It should be emphasized that the Mentor in no way replaces the parent or the family’s social worker or other support workers. Rather, he or she provides interested, compassionate support, and a source of positive role-modelling.

All Mentors must have completed, or be willing to complete, the seven-hour Child Safe Environment training or Responding to Abuse and Neglect Training. Mentors must also hold either a current DCSI Child Related Employment screening or Working With Children Check, or be willing to obtain this clearance. The mentoring relationship cannot commence until both tasks have been completed. The Sammy D Foundation will provide support to arrange both the required training and clearance, if required.

Prior to commencing mentoring, the Mentor will be required to attend a three-hour group training session, held onsite at the Sammy D Foundation. Sessions are held during business hours and notice will be provided of any upcoming sessions to Mentors. Mentors will also need a current driver’s licence (minimum Provisional P2 licence), have access to a roadworthy vehicle, and be willing to use it to transport young people. SDF will require a copy of a most recent service record to demonstrate the vehicle’s roadworthiness, or alternatively can arrange for your car to be inspected by a mechanic to ensure it is safe for transporting clients. Alternatively, we have an office vehicle that can be booked for mentoring visits upon approval.

Experience and/or studying in health, teaching, human services, or related fields is desirable. Previous experience working with young people or in the youth work field would also be helpful however, not compulsory.

The Mentor should have the ability to accept and relate to young people who may not share the same lifestyle and values. This is extremely important and will aid the Mentor in remaining transparent and nonjudgmental.

The Mentor should respect the Mentee’s right to self-determination and independence. This respect is an essential element in the relationship. The Mentor should exhibit a great deal of common sense, intelligence, friendliness, maturity, sensitivity, and responsibility.