Note this is an unpaid position.

Background: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. IRC teams provide health, infrastructure, learning and economic support to people in 50+ countries worldwide. The IRC also provides support to thousands of refugees resettling in 29 U.S. cities each year through initial housing assistance; case management and referral services; job readiness and placement; community and cultural orientation; health and wellness programs; immigration services; and youth programs.

Scope of Work: The Career Development Program promotes economic self-sufficiency for refugees and immigrants with barriers to achieving their career goals. The program provides participants with career coaching and goal planning and connects participants with training and resources to enable them to move out of low-wage jobs and into sustainable career paths. Under the direction of the Career Development Programs Coordinator, the volunteer Career Pathways Mentor will play an important role in providing 1:1 professional guidance and support to IRC clients actively pursuing careers, particularly in target industries such as healthcare, building trades, IT/tech, and other STEM fields.

Specific Duties: Mentors to provide activities that support adult refugee professionals to build healthy and prosperous lives by:

  • Supporting individual educational and vocational advancement
  • Promoting positive civic and social engagement
  • Working to aid them in planning and achieving goals and connecting them to professional networking opportunities and resources related to their career development
  • Providing a supportive relationship, empowerment, cultural navigation, and expertise on career paths. 

Mentors will also be provided with guidance by IRC staff in the form of check-ins, curriculum, and recommended resources to explore with their Mentee.

Location: Primarily remote, there may be some travel required to the IRC Seattle Office, 1200 S 192nd St, SeaTac, WA 98148.

Time Commitment: About 1-2 hours per week. Flexible, virtual and/or in person, based on avaiability of mentor and mentee. 3 month commitment preferred.

Requirements:

  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and across language barriers.
  • Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially.
  • Ability to track and report time spent with mentees to IRC staff.
  • Must be able to provide a positive relationship and support in one of the following areas: high school equivalency/GED programs, post-secondary education, vocational training, resume building, job interviewing.
  • Previous professional experience in healthcare, building trades, computer science, and other STEM fields preferred. 
  • Previous experience working with refugee/immigrant and/or low-income communities preferred
  • Some experience teaching/mentoring preferred
  • Flexibility and positive attitude appreciated 
  • Mentors are expected to follow policies and guidelines outlined by IRC staff.
  • Mentors must be reliable and consistent, notifying IRC staff and mentees in the case of tardiness or cancellations.

Please note: Not all applicants will be matched with a client, as we try to pair mentors and mentees based on their shared interests. 

How to apply: Attend one of our upcoming Virtual Volunteer Orientations. Afterward a member of the Development Staff will reach out to get to meet you before sharing the other onboarding steps.

(Updated December 2024)