Youth Mentor Coordinator

Based in Blenheim

Part time position - 32 hours per week (Tuesday - Friday)

PSUSI: Working to achieve a just, compassionate and inclusive society

Kei te tae ana te ngākau - achieving a heart of love

Ngā mōhiohio e pā ana ke tēnei mahi (About the position)

Positive role models are important to a child or young person's development. For some tamariki, events or circumstances out of their control can make them more vulnerable to negative influences. That's when a mentor outside usual family networks can be of enormous help. Volunteer Mentors are matched according to their interests and the needs of the young person. They meet weekly to engage in activities that they both enjoy – going to the park, playing games, cooking, crafts, fishing and other outdoor activities.

Our Youth Mentor Programme provides positive, one to one attention for children and young people aged between 8 – 15 through trained and screened volunteers.

This Mentor Co-oordinator role recruits, trains and provides supervision for all volunteer mentors. Pro-actively promotes volunteering to appropriate agencies, conducts interviews and vetting processes prior to confirming their suitability as a volunteer mentor and then matches them to the right young person. Advocates for the service across the wider community and raises the profile of the programme within the region. Works to identify sustainable relationships within the community to support the mentoring programme.

He aha ta matou e tuku atu ki a koe (What we can offer you)

An opportunity to make a difference,
Working with all cultures within New Zealand
Work with highly passionate people
Be part of a team committed to caring for young persons
A safe, healthy and supportive work environment
A people focused culture
Flexible working policies
Medical Insurance for employees working 20 hours or more per week
EAP for you and your family
Extra leave entitlements like Birthday and Whānau leave

Ko wai he kaitono tōtika? (Who is an ideal applicant?)

Our ideal Candidate will:

Have previous experience working with youth, ideally within a social services environment i.e. as a youth coach
Have a working knowledge of the relevant legislation including Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 and Family Violence Act 2018 is essential
Have some qualifications in Social Work (diploma or part degree) although is not essential for this role
Have experience working with groups of people in a leadership capacity, training and facilitating group training sessions
Demonstrate a strength in written and verbal communication and group facilitation skills
Be a positive, motivated and enthusiastic individual who will advocate for the programme and the impact it can have on young people
Demonstrate the ability to respect and adhere to confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Be highly organised, possess strong attention to detail and practice secure record keeping skills
Have worked with volunteers previously and will advocate for our volunteers who are valued contributors to our organisation
Be able to take responsibility, show initiative, be punctual and self-managing
Have the ability to manage stress and handle emotional situations while retaining empathy
Be able to make sound, informed decisions based on client needs and the mentors experience, skills and personality
Have had previous experience working with Māori and Pasifika
Have excellent interpersonal skills which enable you to develop rapport with the young people, their whanāu and the volunteers quickly

Ko wai mātou (About us)

Presbyterian Support aims to create a better life for everyone. Our social services are focused on whakawhanaungatanga and manākitanga (relationships and hospitality) to help to build safer, stronger, more connected families and communities. This includes supporting older people to maintain their wellbeing and positive social connections as they age and helping tamariki, teens and families to learn, grow and thrive.

We have sites across the upper South Island covering the Tasman & Marlborough (Te Tau Ihu o te waka a Maui), West Coast (Te Tai Poutini) and Canterbury districts (Ōtautahi & Hakatere).

Since July 2023, we have embraced a Co-Governance model at both the Board and senior leadership levels, reflecting our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and fostering shared resposibility in our leadership.

How do I apply? - Me pehea ahau e tono ai?

Nau Mai Haere Mai

Does this sound like the ideal role for you?

If you match the above criteria, click apply now with your CV and a Cover letter!

Hurry! Applications close end of day Friday 18th April 2025 at 5pm. We will start interviewing as ideal candidates apply, we won't wait till the closing date.

Confidential enquiries are welcome to Tricia Dawson triciad@psusi.org.nz. For expressions of interest please contact Steve or Kirsten within the closing date time frame outlined.

Read the job description here.