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. IRC Salt Lake City staff ensure new refugees have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency through English language classes, job training and placement services, and community participation activities.
SCOPE OF VOLUNTEER WORK:
The employment volunteer will be an employment guide and friend for a refugee during their adjustment into the American workforce. Employment volunteers assist refugees in gaining and honing their job searching skills, and practicing English skills around job searching and the work place. Volunteers should be prepared to: help fill out job applications, assist refugees in following-up on applications and interviews, both in person and over the phone, and aiding refugees in focusing on self-reliance through obtaining a job as soon as possible. Employment volunteers are required to meet with their refugees at least 2 hours a week. Volunteers usually work with their clients for 3-4 months, or until the client finds employment.
Employment volunteers are expected to help their clients they are assisting stay focused on their job search and be willing to accept any job. Past experience has shown that almost all refugees will have to take an entry-level job during their first 1-2 years in the United States. Thus, volunteers can be instrumental in helping refugees understand that most people in the United States have had to do the same thing at different periods in their lives, regardless of their previous work experience or education.
ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS:
• Gather information about client’s background and prior work experience.
• Assist with resume building and cover letter writing.
• Help clients understand, fill, and submit job applications.
• Demonstrate how to search for jobs in the United States in person and online. Expose the client to job sites such as Indeed, LinkedIn, Ziprecruiter, etc.
• Conduct mock interviews and other means of interview preparation.
• Reach out to employment opportunities to determine fit for IRC clients.
• Attend employment meetings with IRC clients at the IRC office.
• Transporting clients to job interviews is incredibly helpful if you have personal transportation, but it is not a requirement for this volunteer position.
COMMITMENT:
• Able to commit at least 2 hours a week (attending 1 class or 1-2 meetings with mentee) for 3-4 months; schedule is otherwise flexible.
• Classes will take place at the IRC office in downtown Salt Lake City on Wednesdays from 1-3 PM. Availability for these classes is necessary to begin with.
• Communicate hours and progress on a monthly basis to IRC through Salesforce hours reporting and consistent communication with volunteer supervisor.
• Check in weekly with employment specialist or casework supervisor to discuss progress and challenges.
• Must be responsive to messages from potential employers and important communications regarding clients job search and hiring process.
REQUIREMENTS:
• Some job-seeking experience
• Must attend program specific training following volunteer orientation.
• Cross-cultural sensitivity, flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor.
• Access to a car or knowledge of the public transportation system, and the willingness to take clients to potential worksites for applications or interviews.
• Desire to help refugees with their employment needs.
• Willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies, including confidentiality policies and respect for refugee experiences
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English; additional fluency in a refugee language preferred
• Must pass a background check, motor vehicle check, and provide proof of insurance and driver’s license (if driving).
NEXT STEPS:
Attend a general volunteer orientation to learn more about the IRC, the people we serve and the volunteer opportunities we host. Sign up here: https://signup.com/go/FVjFCTJ
Attend an employment volunteer training with the IRC employment team. You will receive the link to sign up for this training after attending general volunteer orientation.
All volunteers must clear a background check. We ask for a $45 donation to help cover the cost. Steps for this will be provided after you have attended both trainings.
