headspace Career Mentor (Volunteer)

Deadline: 22 May 2022, 12:00 pm

headspace Career Mentor (Volunteer) 

• Volunteer for Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation and support young people to take control of their future  
• Flexible online volunteer opportunity tailored around your availability, no travel required 
• Join our growing volunteer network and receive dedicated training, resources and support to succeed in the role 

 
What is headspace National?

headspace is the leading youth mental health organisation in Australia. Recognised globally, headspace helps thousands of young people, and their family and friends, access vital support through our headspace services in over 149 communities across Australia, our online and phone counselling services, our vocational services, and our presence in schools. To learn more about headspace and the services we offer, visit headspace.org.au. 

About the role 

headspace Career Mentoring matches young people with volunteer mentors who use their industry-specific knowledge and professional experience to assist a young person in developing their work-related skills and confidence. All mentoring and training occurs online, making this an accessible and flexible volunteer opportunity. 

By sharing career insights, knowledge and industry skills, a mentor can pass on invaluable support to a young person who may be facing difficulties in finding, securing and maintaining work - helping to provide them with a sense of optimism and hope for the future. Positive employment is an important protective factor for young people’s mental health, providing routine, connection and identity. 
 
Mentors are responsible for: 

• Organising regular online catchups (approximately fortnightly) with their Mentee and focusing each session on a mutually agreeable development area for the young person using prior knowledge and headspace Career Mentoring resources
• Developing a growth and goal-focused relationship with their Mentee
• Providing accurate, safe and attainable career-related advice tailored to their Mentee
• Drawing on their own work-related learnings, professional networks, and knowledge to offer a fresh perspective, explore new opportunities, provide reflection and insights that will assist a Mentee in widening their work-related opportunities and skills
• Following all program policies and procedures to ensure the mentoring relationship is safe and effective

  
What our mentors say 

You will join an active community of over 120 volunteers Australia wide. 

"Mentoring through the headspace program continues to be one of the most fulfilling things I do, and I have loved developing a strong relationship with my mentee. I am so proud and happy to provide support to young people in their search for meaningful employment and I believe that especially in the present time it is more important than ever to offer my support".  headspace Mentor 

From their participation we know that: 

• 100% of mentors gained new skills and knowledge by participating in the service 
• 98% of mentors increased their own professional satisfaction 
• 81% of mentors are able to apply the new skills and knowledge gained from volunteering in their day-to-day work 

 
Who we’re looking for 
 
We welcome mentors from all industries and professional backgrounds.  

• Professionals who possess a wide range of transferable skills and experiences, and who have the motivation and desire to share their career insights, learnings and knowledge with a young person 
• Supportive and inclusive youth advocates with leadership qualities and strong communication skills 
• Active listeners and pragmatic problem solvers 
   

What’s on offer

Be part of an organisation that makes a difference and is internationally recognised for doing so. In return we offer mentor training and mental health training, ongoing provide upskilling opportunities, networking forums to connect with other mentors and the chance to participate in wider headspace activities such as campaigns and our annual headspace Day held each October to raise the profile of youth mental health.  

How to apply 

• Please express your interest in this opportunity by emailing rrintoul@headspace.org.au and sharing your motivation for becoming a mentor with headspace 
• For more information contact Rosa Rintoul, headspace Career Mentoring Coordinator rrinotul@headspace.org.au  

To be eligible for this position you must have the right to live and work in Australia.  
 
A Working with Children Check (or State/Territory equivalent) and Police Check are required for this position. 
 
headspace is committed to being a child safe and child friendly organisation that recognises, respects and promotes the rights of children, young and vulnerable people. 
 
The headspace Reconciliation Action Plan was launched in July 2019 and was developed through a co-design process with staff across the organisation. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this role and all current vacancies.