INSIDE OUT

Inside Out provides housing and support to young people who are transitioning to independence.

WHO WE WORK WITH

The Inside Out program provides accommodation and support services to young people aged 15-18 years who are transitioning from state care to independence.

Inside Out's CCC Model

Young people live in housing provided by Concern Australia alongside volunteer live-in mentors.

As well as receiving mentoring, young people are supported by the Inside Out team of youth workers and case managers.

Through Inside Out young people receive coaching so that they can learn skills and develop positive connections that enable them to live independently in the community.

BEING A LIVE-IN MENTOR

Are you someone who would like to make a positive difference in young people's lives?

Live-in Mentors live in a home with young people and do exactly this.

Inside Out's CCC Model

What's it like being a live-in mentor?

For young people leaving care, the encouragement and guidance of a mentor can enable them to learn skills, pursue goals and fulfil their potential.

Living in a Concern Australia house with one or two 16-19 year olds, Live-in Mentors role model life skills, such as being a good tenant, managing money and relationships. Sometimes this also means facilitating problem solving as well as being available to listen and be an encouraging, supportive adult.

Live-in Mentors come from many different backgrounds and professions – you can work in a related or non-related field.

  • You'd be supported by a team of professional youth workers and receive supervision and training.

  • You can be any age from 22+.

  • We have houses located across metro Melbourne.

Like to hear from other mentors or get answers to other questions? Check out our FAQs and video!

Frequently Asked Questions

Live-in Mentors are volunteers who live with and support young people who are unable to live with their families. Live-in Mentors are encouraged to live their normal lives while being available to give time to the young person. They're continually supported by the wider Concern Australia team through training, supervision and the 24/7 support service.

Live-in Mentors:

  • Provide positive mentoring and role modelling to help each young person develop healthy relationships with families, peers and the wider community.
  • Offer emotional and practical support to young people, sometimes experiencing challenging and complex issues.
  • Monitor the safety and well-being of young people in the household.
  • Are also known as 'lead tenants'.

All Live-in Mentors receive an induction before commencement and participate in ongoing training alongside other mentors.

Every young person living in an Inside Out home has a designated Concern Australia Youth Worker who provides support with accommodation, advocacy, education and personal goal setting.

All Live-in Mentors receive ongoing support and supervision from a Volunteer Support Worker who also facilitates regular house meetings.

After-hours phone support is available 24/7

People with the ability to build rapport with young people and spend time with them.

People with an interest in social justice and creating inclusive communities. People with strong communication skills, patience, enthusiasm and a flexible approach.

People who are genuinely motivated to support young people, including those who may have experienced trauma or disadvantage during their childhood.

All applications for the Live-in-Mentor position will require a Working With Children Check and a Police Check to be undertaken.

Join a team of passionate and committed people who want to make a difference in young people's lives.

  • Live-in Mentors are volunteers, but they are not charged rent or any utility costs
  • Internet and Netflix subscriptions provided
  • Get a valuable start on a career working with young people
  • It's an opportunity to give something back to the community
  • Be part of a positive, inclusive organisation dedicated to social change

Apply to be a Live-in Mentor

We are seeking expressions of interest from people who have a genuine belief in supporting young people as they transition to independence.

You will have the ability to build rapport with young people and have an interest in social justice. Qualities we look for in our Live-in Mentors include an interest in supporting young people, strong communication skills, enthusiasm and a flexible approach.

All applications for the Live-in Mentor positions will require a Working With Children Check, and a Police Check will also be undertaken.

To enquire about being a Live-in Mentor, please complete the Live-in Mentor Enquiry Form or contact us on:

Office: (03) 9470 2972
Email: LIM@concernaustralia.org.au

Our Program Model

The CCC Inside Out Journey.

Inside Out's CCC Model

The CCC Model Overview

Inside Out's CCC Model

Program Overview

In the Connect phase, our focus is on building a connection/relationship, sense of belonging and trust with the young person and demonstrating care for them wherever we can. In this phase we are mostly doing things FOR the young person

In the Coach phase, we build on the trust and relationship that we have established, and we start to coach the young person in the skills and responsibilities they will have to learn so they can develop into an independent adult. We give the young person the opportunity to do things WITH us, and have the opportunity to practice, fail at times and also have some successes along the way

In the Community phase, we build upon the relationship and experience that the young person has developed, but we also start to actively support the young person to DO for themselves what we have been teaching them, encouraging them to show their own initiative and take steps towards reaching their goals and become an independent person in the community.

We have built into our model a gradual and intentional increase in the level of responsibility we give the young person. We support them to increase their skills and knowledge and to practice these new skills and responsibilities in a safe, supported environment.

This is a time in a young person's life when they will be re-defining themselves and their relationships to family, peers and the community. We intentionally tap into this natural period of transition to assist young people to make it a positive step. The CCC framework provides a positive guide, and encouragement to define and take daily steps towards a young person's goals.

It is also a time in which we assist the young people to understand the realities of what life is like as a young adult, and what they will need to do to survive and thrive in the community independently. We assist them with what it means to work, comply with the expectations of others, and manage their money. This can be a shock to many young people, and they need to be encouraged and empowered so they can access the opportunities available to them and succeed. We support the young person to know what housing options are open to them when they move on from the supported environment of an Inside Out home, and what they need to do to secure and retain housing.

We see the value and strengths in every young person, and hope to assist the young person and their community to also see this potential.