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: Cultural orientation presents general information on relevant cultural topics that impact our refugee client's ability to be self-sufficient in the U.S. The program schedules groups of clients to meet over Zoom to receive an orientation on relevant social norms and self-sufficiency-based topics. The presentation is simultaneously translated into the client's primary language on issues like credit scores, safeguarding personal information, applying for public benefits, outlining other program opportunities at IRC, and answering any pressing questions families may have after the presentation. 

Specific Duties:

  • Present IRC Seattle's cultural orientation PowerPoint presentation using Zoom (prior instruction provided, on screen interpretation provided as well)
  • Document attendance client attendance using attendance tracking spreadsheet.
  • Respond to clients' questions during the presentation on covered topics
  • Complete assessments after the orientations to ensure clients' understanding of the topics presented

Location: Remote. Cultural orientation presentations are given over Zoom.

Time Commitment: One session's presentation usually lasts 2.5-3 hours. With attendance tracking and assessments, this rises to about 3-4 hours per cultural orientation. We ask that volunteers commit to one cultural orientation presentation per month. We plan to give at least two presentations per month. Volunteers are welcome to present multiple times per month if they would like!

Skills:

  • Strong intercultural communications skills, demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and across language barriers.  
  • Familiarity with presented concepts, e.g. laws in the United States, public transportation, occupational standards, cultural norms, etc.
  • Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially.    
  • Must be adaptable, flexible and patient.   
  • Familiarity with Zoom.  
  • 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: 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)