Why Volunteer at Launch Housing

We have an ambitious and singular mission to end homelessness. We aim to get people housed, keep them housed, and be an influential voice on ending homelessness. We are a secular, independent provider of choice for clients and strive to be the go‑to organisation on homelessness for government, media, philanthropy, private donors and the community. We believe housing is a basic human right and our values of empowerment, fresh thinking, agility, leadership and courage underpin everything we do.

If you want an opportunity where you can make a real difference and are passionate about our mission, consider volunteering with Launch Housing! Launch Housing is working to become more trauma‑informed and as a leading employer in the homelessness sector, you will hear stories of distress, hardship, trauma or violence when working with us. We encourage you to reflect on how this may impact you when considering applying to volunteer. Sustaining the health & wellbeing of our people, including volunteers, is our priority. We provide adequate training & supervision, wellbeing days and access to an Employee Assistance Program.

There are many perks for volunteering

- Flexibility – you can organise your own timetable
- Life‑changing experience – you’ll contribute to ending homelessness in Melbourne and will give you a sense of fulfilment and purpose
- Fun and positive workplace – you’ll meet warm and friendly team members who are here to help
- Good for your wellbeing and mental health – research shows volunteering can help fight stress, loneliness and depression and can help improve your confidence
- Share your talents – you can utilise your talent and experience as well as learn new skills in a supportive culture

About the opportunity

The Education First Youth Foyers (EFYF) are an innovative partnership model to help young people experiencing homelessness build sustainable lives by combining affordable accommodation, education, training and employment. Youth Foyers help break the cycle of homelessness and create opportunities for young people to live independently. Launch Housing, in partnership with the Brotherhood of St Laurence, has opened two EFYFs:



Holmesglen Foyer based at Holmesglen Institute’s Waverley campus and the EFY at Kangan Institute, Broadmeadows.

The EFYF works from an Advantaged Thinking approach, a paradigm shift from deficit thinking toward positive thinking and action. It focuses on identifying, developing, and investing in the skills, capabilities and assets of young people. Involving young people in the service is a key element of the programme.

Both foyers accommodate 40 young people between 16 and 24 years in studio‑style apartments with communal living areas and support service areas supervised by trained staff around the clock. Key services include education, employment, health & wellbeing, housing & living, social connections and civic participation coaching, support and mentoring.

As a Youth Mentor, you will spend time engaging in social and recreational activities with a designated mentee and provide valued support to Launch Housing.

Responsibilities

- Share knowledge of your own education, career and life experiences to assist the mentee in their own journey
- Offer a consistent, non‑judgemental relationship and encourage the young person into a range of other relationships
- Help promote the mentee’s self‑esteem and identify and recognise their strengths
- Help with goal‑setting, suggest possible courses of action, support the mentee in making choices, and help them develop skills
- Encourage the mentee to weigh up situations and to make decisions through reflection, questioning, challenge and feedback
- Encourage self‑reliance instead of dependence
- Provide feedback to the Relationship Officer and complete a template noting outcomes of each session. Advise staff if you are uncomfortable or if issues need to be addressed or if there are safety concerns
- Notify staff of any rescheduling or cancellations of meetings
- Participate in program evaluation
- Engage in other activities appropriate to the programme in consultation with staff where appropriate




- Agree to abide by the Mentoring Agreement and the Mentor Code of Conduct

Additional Responsibilities

- Immediately report any concerns to a member of staff if a young person or other client discloses information that places them or someone else at risk
- Behave in accordance with all Launch Housing policies and procedures, including the Code of Conduct, Volunteer Agreement and Volunteer Guide
- Adhere to site and/or programme specific guides and agreements as required
- Uphold the principles of the Child Safe Code of Conduct, ensuring that Child Safe Standards are translated into operational practices at all times

Key selection criteria

- Understanding of or a commitment to learn the Advantaged Thinking approach to working with young people and commitment to the programme
- Generous, positive outlook and ability to explore and encourage others to follow their own interests
- Relationship and communication skills, able to engage and communicate in a non‑judgemental manner
- Self‑awareness of personal strengths and weaknesses; ability to ask for help and set boundaries
- Resilience, reliability and perseverance
- Previous experience working with young people or children, or a lived experience of being involved in youth programmes is highly desirable
- Willingness to understand homelessness and in particular, the needs and issues affecting those at risk of homelessness
- Links to networks that support the mentoring relationships and programme is highly desirable
- Ability to commit to the role for 9–12 months
- Demonstrated commitment to Launch Housing values and mission to end homelessness

All applicants must hold a valid Working with Children Check and a satisfactory criminal history check. All applicants must have the right to work in Australia.

Launch Housing is an Equal‑Opportunity Employer and supports accessible working arrangements for all, including people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse people, young people, older people, women and people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender diverse, intersex or queer. Lived Experience of homelessness is encouraged.

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📌 Youth Mentor Volunteer (Melbourne)
🏢 Launch Housing
📍 Melbourne