Live-In Youth Mentor

For more than 170 years, OzChild has been dedicated to supporting children, young people and families experiencing significant challenges. The largest provider of evidence-based programs in Australia, OzChild supports more than 10,000 children, young people and family members each year. 

Click here to find out more about the program and how you learn more about the process. 

ABOUT THE ROLE:

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 receive FREE rent and 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.

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 study or work 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 households, 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 practitioners, lead tenant support workers, team leaders, 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