Dorset Youth -Volunteer Mentors
Mentoring Project Overall aim
To improve the lives of care experienced young people aged 18-25. As a mentor, you will provide 2-4 hours a month offering guidance, encouragement and a positive listening ear to help them overcome challenges, set goals and help them build a brighter future. Mentors are provided with support to achieve an optional University Certificate.
Main role responsibilities
As a ‘critical friend’ Mentors are able to offer guidance, support and form a positive one-to-one relationship with care experienced mentees, who may have experienced limited life chances. The mentor’s role will provide support to the mentee to enable them to take responsibility for areas of professional and personal growth. The mentor is there to create a supportive, challenging and reflective learning environment.
Tasks include
- To liaise with mentee to identify a safe space in which to meet
- To build an effective relationship with a mentee
- To plan mentoring sessions with mentee in advance so the mentee can be prepared for session and have things to be discussed
- To listen and help mentees to identify and address barriers to their success
- To offer perspective, drawing on your own experience in dealing with life, for example preparing for job interviews, budgeting and planning for the future
- To work with the mentee and to set and monitor agreed goals
- To keep a journal of meetings and undertake relevant evaluations
Time commitment
- To commit to volunteering with a mentee for the duration of the mentoring agreement (usually up to 1 year)
- To meet with a mentee approximately 2-4 hours a month
- Recording the outcomes of the sessions undertaken
- 4 hours coursework over the course of volunteering to achieve a University Certificate
Mentor specification
We are looking for mentors who display the following:
- Aged 23+
- Knowledge and understanding of the issues that care experienced young people may face
- Knowledge and experience of building supportive relationships
- The skill of being able to question and challenge constructively
- To work to and respect confidentiality
- Ability to identify and address barriers to progression
- Ability to use one’s own perspective professionally
- Planning and organisational skills
- Skills in setting goals and record keeping
How to apply and the onboarding process
- Complete online application form by midnight 10th May
- Attend Information Evening on 9th May 6pm
- Informal chat/interview during w/c 13th May
- Mandatory Training date in June TBC
If you have any questions or would like to have a chat about the role please email lillymarkwell@dorsetyouth.com or call 07554 991 261
To download the full role description or to apply now use the buttons below.
