Volunteer

Description

Our volunteer mentors provide a one-to-one mentoring service for young people who offend or are at risk of offending, and their parents.  We work in partnership with the Probation Service, An Garda Síochána, Oberstown Children Detention Campus, Crosscare and other agencies within the youth justice arena.

Who we’re looking for. We are looking to recruit volunteer male and female youth and parent mentors over the age of 21 (25 for parent mentors) living across Dublin. While no experience is necessary, we are looking for people that can make a connection and build positive relationships. A flexible, reliable can-do approach, good communication and interpersonal skills will also be an advantage.

We are especially interested in recruiting volunteers from the following areas:

Dublin City, Bray, Loughlinstown, Sandyford, Leopardstown, Dun Laoghaire, Clondalkin, Finglas, Ballymun, Coolock, Darndale, Swords, Balbriggan, Lusk and Tallaght.

What’s involved? Once trained, you will be matched with a young person or parent and mentoring sessions take place once a week for between one and three hours. Our volunteering is flexible, meaning you can meet during the day, evenings or at the weekends. These sessions aim to provide support and encouragement through either doing activities together or just meeting for a chat and a bite to eat. Le Chéile covers all costs; all you give is your time and your commitment.

What will you get out of it? As a mentor, you have an opportunity to encourage positive change in the life of a young person or parent. Additionally, you can expect the following:

• Full induction training
• Support of a trained Mentoring Co-ordinator
• Regular group sessions with other Mentors
• Ongoing training to learn new skills
• Reimbursement for expenses
• To meet new people and make new friends
• To gain experience that will support your personal and professional development

Recruitment Process All candidates will undergo interview, mentor induction training, reference checks, Garda Vetting and/or Overseas vetting.

If you are interested in finding out more, email Mark, our Mentor Coordinator, at markturner@lecheile.ie or call 086 048 8349.

Is training provided?: Yes

Please note that Garda Vetting is required for this position which will be processed with you after you apply.

Tasks that the volunteer(s) will be expected to undertake:

Youth mentees are aged between 12 and 23 years old. Mentors meet their mentee once a week for about 2-3 hours. A mentor’s role is to build a trusting and supportive relationship with their mentee by encouraging them to try new activities and to work towards goals they have set for them self.  We do this by engaging in community-based activities like bowling, going to the cinema, taking up a sport or just meeting for a chat and a bite to eat. 

Skills required for this role:

See description of volunteering opportunity for full details.

Details of time commitment needed for role:
Volunteers need to be able to meet once a week for between 1-3 hours. And they need to be able to commit to volunteering with us for at least 12 months.

Minimum time commitment per week:
3 hour p/week

Additional screening required for this role:
Screening details for this role: • Application Form • Informal Interview • Garda Vetting • References • Identification Check