Volunteer Mentor

Contract: We ask for a minimum of 6 months commitment.

Hours: Minimum 1 hour per week plus monthly one to one supervision and 30 minute online training sessions.

Expenses: (expenses to be pre-agreed).

Start Date: Flexible.

Interview Date: Flexible.

Induction & Training: Will be arranged on appointment.

Role Purpose

This is an exciting opportunity to volunteer for a charity that is passionate about giving young people the chance to develop their skills and confidence, both for their own benefit and for that of society as a whole. You can make a difference by mentoring 14-26 year olds who are developing or discovering their potential. The mentor's role is to support young people reach their next step focusing on their vocational development and encouraging progression into or maintaining Education, Employment or Training.

The profile of many of Esteem's young adults is that they have low levels of confidence and may be quite anxious; some young people may be neurodiverse including having a history of mental health problems, they also may have faced homelessness and other life affecting issues including the effects of long term unemployment.

You will be based at Esteem's Shoreham office but may meet your mentee in a public place such as a coffee shop, if that is what you both prefer and meets safeguarding requirements. You will be skills matched with a young person who will have similar interests, experience or an interest in your professional field. You will support your mentee by identifying and highlighting their skills and establishing realistic and achievable goals by breaking them down into manageable steps. You will enter notes onto our database system UpShot after each meeting with your mentee and will be asked to fill in an outcome form at the conclusion of your mentoring relationship.

Principal tasks and responsibilities

• To meet with your mentee regularly (once a week or once a fortnight) at a convenient time for you both either at the Esteem's office or in a public place like a cafe.
• To offer ongoing vocational support to your mentee and support them to access services (such as in-house Counselling or from external organisations) if they need help with any issues they are dealing with.
• To support your mentee through their vocational setting, either volunteering at Esteem or within their personal, work or educational setting.
• To offer positive feedback and aim to build self-confidence with your mentee.
• To keep up to date notes of your meetings.
• Complete regular reviews with the mentee and create a clear action plan if appropriate.
• Attend all relevant training to your role.
• To report any safeguarding concerns to the Safeguarding Team.
• To maintain the required level of confidentiality in all tasks and communications.
• Uphold the commitment of the organisation to equality and diversity and its set of values.

Person Specification

Experience

For this round of recruitment we are looking primarily for those who work in the creative industry and those who may have started their own business and/or have an entrepreneurial background. That being said, we are more than happy to accept applications from those who feel they have other skills and experience that could benefit young adults. Whilst some experience of mentoring or supporting young adults would be helpful this is something we will cover in the day's training.

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

• Motivated by promoting the development and wellbeing of young people; providing opportunities for growth where possible.
• Ability to problem solve; feeling able to support young adults to overcome obstacles.
• Ability to work on own initiative (with guidance from mentor manager).
• A willingness to undertake a small amount of preparation for each session and to take accurate notes after each session.
• Ability and willingness to use computer systems, including googlemail (training provided).
• Good interpersonal skills; ability to listen, empathise and relate to others.

To apply

To apply, complete this Application Form. Alternatively, please send an email to hr@Esteem.org.uk requesting an application form, ensuring you include the role title in your email. We will only shortlist applicants that have applied directly to our HR Department providing a completed application form. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend a short pre-interview call. Interview date is to be confirmed. Successful applicants are required to attend a full training day. If you would like an informal discussion about the role or have any questions, please contact Michelle Perry on Michelle.Perry@esteem.org.uk. Sadly, without a completed application form we will not be able to consider your application.