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 Child Watch Volunteer will partner with the Economic Empowerment Team to care for clients' children at the IRC Seattle office while their mothers participate in the Team's sewing class and/or Women in Action program. Two volunteers will be working with client children at all times. This position removes the barrier that a lack of childcare creates to our clients receiving much-needed education and services, setting up both parents and children for greater resettlement success! This is a great opportunity to play a formative role in parents and children's transition to life in the United States.

Specific duties include:

  • Keep children safe and entertained while parents attend programming.
  • Always work in pairs when supervising children.
  • Refrain from punishing or touching client children.
  • Seek out parents for any bathroom breaks client children may require.
  • Refrain from feeding client children.
  • Adhere to IRC Seattle's Working with Minors Policy

Location: IRC Seattle office, 1200 S 192nd St, SeaTac, WA 98148

Time Commitment: 2 hours per week. Minimum time commitment is one month.

Skills and Qualifications:

  • Must have reliable transportation and reliable availability.
  • Must be comfortable working with children, especially young children.
  • Must be patient and understanding as children will likely be in a new environment after relocation to a new country and may be shy or scared.
  • First aid/CPR certification desired but not required.
  • Must adhere to IRC professional standards and volunteer policies including those around boundaries, confidentiality, COVID-19, etc.