The Home-Start Volunteer parent mentor’s role is to provide vital support to young families (with at least one child of pre-school age). The mentor offers support either virtually (online/phone) providing emotional encouragement as well as guidance and information around parenting; or face to face emotional support as well as practical help for 1-2 hours per week.

Mostly volunteers are parents or grandparents themselves or have parenting experience – they come from a wide range of ages and backgrounds. All new volunteers must attend a preparation course and undergo a screening process before being linked with a family.

This role will take place in the Bendigo/Macedon ranges.

ESSENTIAL:

• Parenting or caregiving knowledge • Good communication skills • Satisfactory Police Check and current Working With Children check • Undertaken two interviews (one pre-course, one post-course) • 2 successful reference checks on file • Statutory Declaration signed, certified and on file • Annual Flu vaccination • Ability to follow guidance regarding infection control requirements (e.g. PPE, paperwork, training etc.) as needed for the role

DESIRABLE: • Basic knowledge of childhood milestones • First Aid Certificate • Experience working with volunteer programs • Driver’s License • Basic record keeping experience