Brain Bank Mentor

Location: Fitzroy, Hume and Whittlesea
Hours: 2-4 hours per fortnight

The Ecumenical Migration Centre (EMC), part of the Brotherhood of St. Laurence, works alongside refugee, migrant and asylum seeker communities to understand their aspirations and build their capacity for social and economic participation.

EMC engages community volunteers to work with refugees, asylum seekers and migrants seeking assistance in different areas of their lives The volunteers provide program support such as administrative assistance or work with clients to overcome barriers commonly experienced by new arrivals by building social and employment networks, enhancing skills and increasing knowledge of Australian culture.

The Brain Bank program matches skilled volunteers from the community with newly arrived refugees and migrants seeking assistance in different areas of their lives. The mentors provide support, guidance and encouragement, building long-term relationships that help community members overcome cultural barriers, social isolation, and increase participants skills and confidence.

We are currently seeking suitable applicants with a background and interest in refugee, migrant and asylum seeker issues, advocacy, community development and work from a strengths-based approach. An ability to travel to the Hume and Whittlesea is required. Public transport travel for this position will be required. Volunteers will be reimbursed in line with BSL policy.

Currently our Brain Bank mentors are providing support in the following areas:

•    Written and spoken English support and homework tutoring
•    Project planning and grant applications to secure funds for community groups to run their activities
•    Workshops about governance and how to run community organisations
•    Support with resumes and finding employment opportunities
•    Assisting women’s groups to plan and run social activities
•    Assisting community groups with leadership and advocacy training.

Requirements:

•    A standard Police Check and Working with Children Check is required
•    Well-developed interpersonal and written communication skills, including the ability to liaise with community
•    A strong commitment to privacy and confidentiality
•    Understanding and empathy with the values of the Brotherhood of St Laurence

To apply for this position, please email us your expression of interest and a resume to volunteer@bsl.org.au. For further information please contact Anna Hutchens on 8412 8706.