Volunteer Mentors

Be an employability mentor to a person who is currently homeless

We have a request from a centre for homeless young people, badly housed families, refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, helping them to obtain employment and break out of the cycle of homelessness and exclusion.

The role:
To meet a client (service user), who has expressed an interest in having a volunteer mentor, every week for at least six months, in order to provide them with support, guidance and encouragement and help them to improve their employability. This may involve building confidence with their English e.g. reading, writing, listening and speaking; helping them to find the right course or find employment. Ideally, you will be a warm, confident and enthusiastic person with plenty of maturity who is able to motivate and encourage another.

Role description:

Participate in initial training to prepare you for the role.

Bear in mind that you will initially need matching with a suitable mentee which may take time.

Meet with your client at agreed time and place.

Build trust and rapport with your client

Help your client to identify their goals.

Be able to encourage and motivate your client.

Be able to provide constructive and positive feedback.

Use own initiative to identify and access relevant resources.

Keep a record of meetings.

Maintain regular communications with the Volunteer Coordinator.

Participate in mentor support sessions when possible and programme evaluations.

What we are looking for:

You are or have been a professional person that can use your experience to help a client ultimately find paid work and/or improve their employability e.g. goal setting, computer skills, confidence building, CV writing etc.

You have excellent listening and communication skills.

You are able to encourage and motivate a person to achieve their goals.

You have a confident, positive and friendly persona and you are able to instil confidence in others.

You are able to put the agenda of others before your own.

You can offer a non-judgemental attitude to other peoples problems.

You will have the ability to get on with people from a wide range of backgrounds.

Location:

The meetings could take place at the Centre which is near Victoria.
Pending CRB checks, mentors can also meet with mentees at other public places such as a cafe, art gallery etc.

Minimum involvement:

Initial training day
Regular meetings with mentee 1 to 2 hours per week for a period of 6 months or more. These can be arranged at a time mutually beneficial for you as the mentor and your mentee.

Requirements:

Application form, Interview / Informal discussion
Police Check (CRB)
References
Training

Tags: Ongoing, Skills based, Solo

Volunteer Mentors

Be an employability mentor to a person who is currently homeless

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