Women and Mentoring’s (WAM) Young Women’s Program assists cisgender and transgender young women and non-binary folk aged 12–24, who are identified as at risk or in the early stages of contact with the criminal justice system. The program acts as both a preventative and early intervention approach for marginalised young women and gender-diverse young people living in the Frankston, Mornington Peninsula, Dandenong, Kingston and Casey communities. Participants are matched with an individual supportive volunteer mentor, and all WAM mentors are trained and resourced to provide appropriate support tailored to each participant’s needs.

The program aims to support women at their own pace by providing a trusted mentoring relationship with a screened and trained community volunteer who also identifies as a woman. This relationship encourages self-determination and self-advocacy to assist participants to address any underlying issues and meet their social and wellbeing goals.

Position Summary
As a WAM Volunteer Mentor, you have the opportunity to become one consistent, trusted person in a young woman’s life. Through encouragement, practical support and genuine connection, mentors help young women build confidence, navigate challenges and move towards the future they want for themselves.

Commitment
Volunteer mentors generally commit to:
-Around 2-3 hours per week
-Regular contact with one participant
-Monthly peer supervision (at least 75% attendance per annum)
-Ongoing contact with their Program Coordinator
-A minimum commitment of 12 months.

What You’ll Receive
-Comprehensive initial training (2 days to be completed over 2 consecutive weeks)
-Ongoing support from your Program Coordinator
-Professional development opportunities
-Access to resources
-A supportive community of fellow mentors

Limitations of Mentoring Role
WAM Mentors are not expected to be counsellors, lawyers, case managers or crisis workers. Their role is to Iisten, encourage, build confidence and help participants connect with appropriate professional services when needed.

Commitment to Child Safety
WAM has zero tolerance for child abuse and actively works to prevent harm to young people. All mentors must adhere to the Child Safety Code of Conduct.

Key Selection Criteria
ESSENTIAL
Successful applicants will identify as women or non-binary and will have:
-The ability to demonstrate effective active listening skills and exercise self-awareness.
-An alignment to WAM values (integrity, empowerment, respect, belonging, social justice).
-Weekly availability (2-3 hours) to meet face-to-face during the day and receive phone calls.
-The ability to work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences without judgement.
-Demonstrated empathy, reliability, resilience and the ability to maintain professional boundaries.
-The capacity to be available and commit to the program for at least twelve months for a mentor match. Training and screening time is in addition to the twelve months.

DESIRABLE
-Some existing knowledge of local community services and/or the criminal justice system would be a great advantage.
-Lived experience of the criminal justice system or challenges faced by people who may access this program would also be welcome.
-We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people of varying abilities and non-binary people.
-Drivers Licence Preferred 

Our values are integrity, respect, belonging, empowerment, and social justice.
Women and Mentoring is a child safe and inclusive organisation supporting cisgender and transgender women and non-binary people.

For further information please visit https://www.womenandmentoring.org.au/