Peer Mentor

We encourage applications from First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disabilities, neuro-diverse people, and people of all genders, sexualities, and age groups

• Are you looking for a new purpose led role where you can work with other young people to help change the lives?
• Are you ready for a new challenge working within Project Youth? 
• Are you passionate about building a better future for young people  and using your own lived experience to assist other young people 

Project Youth, established over 30 years ago, is a non-Government, not for profit organisation based in South Eastern Sydney, providing support and assistance to young people who are homeless or facing disadvantage. 

Project Youth's vision is to create a future where all young people can thrive regardless of the disadvantage they face. To do this Project Youth provides trauma-informed support for young people aged 12-24 who have complex needs, are at risk, come from disadvantaged backgrounds and may not be able to fulfil their potential without additional support. 

Our work is in three main areas: 

1. Homelessness and Housing: Accommodating young people in crisis and supporting transition into independent living or returning to their family home 
2. Early Intervention: Intervening early to reduce and stop escalation of issues 
3. Education, Employment and Training: Providing pathways to employment and education 

The Role:

Project Youth operates a weekly structured drop-in session for young people facing disadvantages. This drop-in session allows young people to access a youth centre to receive mentoring, information, resources and support from Peer Mentors with lived experience of the issues they are facing. The drop-in sessions are a safe, inclusive and accessible environment for young people and are supported by a qualified youth worker/social worker.

In line with Project Youth’s strategy, the Peer Mentor roles will ensure all young people can thrive despite the disadvantages they may face. The roles will also work under Project Youth’s trauma informed Framework and our values of partnership, respect, innovation, integrity and quality. Project Youth has a Youth Engagement Policy in place, called Rising Together which was co-designed by young people with lived experience and will provide the foundations for the Peer Mentoring roles.

The Person:

Essential criteria, experience and skills:

• Must have your own lived experience of accessing support service that Project Youth (or similar service) provides i.e. homelessness
• Under the age of 25 (this is a Peer Mentoring role and therefore is in line with Project Youth’s age criteria for participants)
• Be eligible to work in Australia
• Purpose driven to support
•  young people to thrive and overcome challenges
• Clear understanding of boundary setting, confidentiality and consent 
• Able to articulate and demonstrate your ability to safely work in a lived experience role
• Demonstrate that you have mechanisms and supports in place for your own recovery
• Have a minimum of 3 years from receiving intensive support from Project Youth
• Able and willing to purposefully use your own story to provide mentoring and information to young people accessing a structured drop-in session
• Able to work effectively, compassionately and in a trauma informed way with young people Project Youth serves; as well as with staff (paid and not paid) and community members with lived experience of the issues Project Youth addresses through our work
• Understanding of mandatory reporting, child protection responses and child safe practice standards
• Excellent time management skills 
• Willingness to undergo relevant training to conduct the role safely and effectively
• Strong problem-solving skills and a solution focussed approach
• Proven ability to work as part of an outcomes focused team
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills
• Commitment to the principles of equity of access, cultural diversity and accountability
• Good computer and literacy skills
• Able to demonstrate forward thinking and using initiative
• Energetic and a genuine passion for the organisations purpose

Desirable experience and skills:

• Experience working in a youth service or with young people facing disadvantages

 All Project Youth employees are required to undergo a National Criminal Record Check and a Working with Children Check by the relevant State and Territory Government(s) as a condition of employment.

To Apply:

Please provide your resume and a cover letter (maximum of a 2-page cover letter). The cover letter must address all essential criteria listed in ‘The Person’ section in the advert above. Please send your resume and cover letter to ******@projectyouth.org.au

Applications that do not address the criteria will not be considered.  Previous applicants need not apply. 

For further information please see position description on www.projectyouth.org.au/join-our-team 

Contact Justin on 0417 833605 or ******@projectyouth.org.au for more information or if you have any questions about the position. 

 Closing date for applications: 5pm Sunday 21st January 2024. 

Interviews will be conducted for successful applicants on 2nd Feb 2024

Please note, unsuccessful candidates will not be contacted.