Youth mentor role Details:
Youth mentor program is designed for young people who have current or previous involvement with Children Services and may be living in alternate arrangements, such as group homes, foster homes, etc...
Volunteers can apply to work with mentees from different age groups:
- Age 6-15: Volunteers spend time with their mentee by participating in different activities such as cooking together, rides on trains and other public transport, napping outside in the fresh air, basic board games, dancing and singing along to music, backyard games or simply going for ice cream, etc...
Regardless of which age category you feel most suited to, your most important job as a mentor (to any mentee of any age) is to simply show up and be a caring adult in your mentee's life as any of those kids between the age of 6 to 15 need a little extra support.
Volunteer Responsibilities:The key responsibilities are as follows:
- Support the children and youth in our care! 1 to 1 matches spend 1-2 hours together weekly or bi-weekly and do activities of their choosing
- Assess safety and well-being of young people during engagement
- Act as a positive, mature and responsible role model to young people, demonstrating appropriate independent living skills, recreation, self-care, communication and behavior
- Consult with Team Leader or any other support staff in relation to any presenting issues
- Establish and maintain appropriate boundaries and rapport with young people who have experienced trauma
- Maintain open and honest communication with program staff
Qualifications:
No special skills or experience required! Just show up, be yourself and a role model to the youths! However, all volunteers are screened to gauge their appropriateness for our programs and must be 18 years of age. We also require a Police Information Check and a Child and Youth Intervention Check, which will be covered by the agency.
Duties:
Volunteers will agree to a minimum of 6 months of commitment to their Little, and will share time together on a consistent and reliable weekly or biweekly schedule. We encourage matches to try new things and find common interests. We can provide a list of recommended activities, but there is no limit as long as the activities are safe and appropriate for the child's age and development.
Benefits:
- Increased social and network connections
- Gain personal growth and development
- Have a positive new perspective on life
- Experience with children and youth in a mentoring capacity
- Letters of reference upon completion of 25 hours of service
Volunteer Interests:
- Children & Youth
- Community
