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 Resettlement Program serves refugee clients who have arrived the United States within the previous 90 days. During this time, clients have all sorts of appointments from enrolling children in school, signing paperwork for housing, visiting a healthcare provider, etc. Because clients are still so new to the US, taking public transportation can still be a daunting task and can also be unreliable for such important appointments. The chauffeur volunteer opportunity will allow clients to overcome both challenges. The chauffeur will have one four-hour shift per week at a time agreed upon with the Resettlement Team and will drive clients to and from appointments using our IRC passenger van (Honda Odyssey).

Specific Duties:

  • Receive instructions on a weekly basis of the shift's responsibilities from the Resettlement Team.
  • Pick up passenger van at IRC Warehouse (2365 S 200th St, SeaTac, WA 98148), then pick up clients.
  • Drive clients and accompany them to assigned appointments, providing minimal guidance on meeting intended party (e.g. helping family find the proper waiting room and getting checked in with the front desk).
  • Inform Resettlement caseworkers of any noteworthy events during appointments (e.g. client expressed specific needs, office explained to chauffeur that another appointment is needed, etc.)

Location: Most client appointments are located in South King County. The passenger van is kept at IRC's warehouse at 2365 S 200th St, SeaTac, WA 98198.

Time Commitment: We ask for at least one four-hour shift per week, from Monday to Friday, 9a-5p.

Skills:

  • Strong intercultural communications skills, demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and across language barriers.  
  • Ability to pass driving background test and meet briefly with Operations team to ensure comfort with passenger van.
  • Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially.    
  • Must be adaptable, flexible and patient.
  • Familiarity with trauma-informed practices preferred.   
  • Ability to communicate effectively in English; additional fluency in one of the following languages desirable but not required: Farsi/Dari, Swahili, Arabic, Ukrainian, or Tigrinya.   
  • Willingness to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies 

How to apply: This position is critically needed. Please reach out directly to [email protected] for expedited onboarding.

(Updated December 2024)