Current Positions

We are seeking volunteers to take on a Live-In Mentor role with young people exiting the child protection system.

We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to take on a Live-In Youth Mentor (Lead Tenant) role with young people exiting the child protection system.

• Make a lasting difference in the lives of young people at risk of youth homelessness
• Receive free rent and utilities in share house accommodation (Surrey Hills or Wantirna South location)
• Includes ongoing training, support and guidance from qualified youth workers
• Easily combine with your existing work or study commitments

The Program

StepOut is an out-of-home-care placement option providing medium-term accommodation and support to young people aged 16-18 years, who have been placed away from the care of their families by Child Protection. Many of the young people have previously resided in foster care, kinship care or residential care. The houses are located in Surrey Hills and Wantirna South. The program provides a safe, semi-independent living environment where young people in the house are supported by Live-In Youth Mentors. Mentors are volunteers who reside at the share house and provide day to day guidance and mature role modelling. Live-In Youth Mentors are expected to demonstrate a positive and balanced lifestyle and be engaged in some form of employment, study or training. The position is voluntary, however Live-In Youth Mentors are not required to pay rent or utilities (excluding telephone). They also receive an honorarium payment of $75 per week.

The Position
As a Live-In Youth Mentor, your role is to live at a share house located in either Surrey Hills or Wantirna South, together with another Live-In Youth Mentor and two young people aged 16-18. You are required to act as positive role model and provide support and education to assist the young people in developing their independent living skills, which may include cooking, cleaning, budgeting, financial management, grocery shopping etc. You are required to participate equally in domestic chores and duties and to ensure that any conflicts arising within the household are dealt with in a positive and productive manner. As a Live-In Youth Mentor you will be assisting young people in the house transition to independent living and helping reduce youth homelessness.