TITLE: Employment Program Volunteer

LOCATION: Des Moines, IA                   

START DATE: Ongoing

DURATION: Minimum 1-month time commitment

SCHEDULE: Flexible, 2-6 hours a week Monday – Friday between 9-5 PM.

BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading, non-sectarian, non-profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict.  Domestically, our 29 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.  

The Des Moines, IA office was opened in July of 2022, serving more than 200 refugees in its first year. Our operations expanded to Iowa City with our office opening in February 2024. The Health and Wellness Coordinator supports clients in navigating complex medical and benefits systems, and designs and connects clients to programs and resources that improve their quality of life.

Scope of Service 

The IRC in Des Moines seeks volunteers to work with our Matching Grant (employment) Case Manager to complete required aspects of the program, such as Employment Readiness classes, job applications, transportation to interviews, completing paperwork, and other activities that will help clients succeed in their new jobs. 

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

 

  • Complete required training on employment readiness content, either in person or virtually
  • Facilitate small to large group instruction using the provided curriculum, which includes teaching clients how to find jobs, what the interview process is like, how to succeed once they begin a job and other information to help them achieve success in the US workforce
  • Provide follow-up for individuals needing more assistance after class
  • Help develop new resources, such as PowerPoint slides and handouts, to introduce newly arrived refugees to work life in the United States
  • Assist Case Manager in completing job applications with clients
  • Transport clients to job interviews and orientation
  • Assist case manager with completing and filing paperwork required by the program

Desired but not Required:

  • Can speak Swahili, Dari / Farsi, Pashto, French, or Spanish.
  • Driver's license and insured car

This is an unpaid volunteer position with an opportunity for reimbursement for using a personal vehicle.

How to apply 

Go to https://irc-global.my.salesforce-sites.com/volunteer and complete the application. If you need assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to [email protected]. Once your application is received, a staff member will contact you for a brief interview. You will then receive a link to complete a background check. Finally, you will be contacted to attend a required volunteer training. 

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.