On-going Volunteer Opportunity: Home Setup Volunteer

Reports to:Caseworker (Resettlement)

Coordinates with: Volunteer/Development/Operations Staff

Department: Reception & Placement (R&P)

Location: Louisville, KY

Time Commitment: Must have availability within IRC office hours (M-F 9am-5pm); regular schedule and minimum 3-month commitment required

Language Fluencies Desired: Dari, French,Pashto, Spanish, Swahili

 

 

 

BACKGROUND  
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 28 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and that they are connected to community support systems. The IRC works with refugees, immigrants, and survivors of trafficking to help them gain self-sufficiency.

 

DESCRIPTION

The Home Setup Volunteer provides critical support to meet the basic needs of new arrivals. This volunteer leverages community networks and conducts outreach to solicit & secure in-kind donations focused specifically on household goods, welcome kits, and furniture to set up first homes for our newest neighbors. This volunteer will primarily assist in the vital task of setting up new homes for newly arriving refugees, including unpacking and sorting inventory, lifting, assembling furniture, and ultimately organizing donations to set up homes.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Help solicit and secure in-kind donations of household goods, welcome kits, furniture, clothing, and other required supplies for new arrivals
  • Assist in the coordination of donation pickups and deliveries from community members including supplies to support temporary housing (hotels) and permanent housing (home setups)
  • Assist in household setups, including moving mattresses, furniture, and household goods
  • Assist staff in locating required items in stores to prepare new arrival housing
  • Assist staff in logistics of providing the culturally appropriate first meal for the clients upon arrival
  • Ensure itemized donation records are completed, signed by client at point of distribution, and returned to IRC Staff

 

LEARNING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Volunteers will receive a tour of storage spaces and inventory system by inventory staff as well as training on IRC’s federal R&P and APA service agreements and their programmatic requirements for home setups and initial resettlement services. Volunteers with client languages who could serve as an interpreter must receive guidance on policies when interpreting. Other activity specific training will be provided in addition to learning together as we go. Flexibility, initiative, and a desire to collaborate are essential qualities for this volunteer opportunity.

 

REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially
  • Strong intercultural communication skills, including demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and across language barriers
  • Strong organizational and communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
  • Must be able and willing to occasionally lift 40(+) lbs.
  • Valid driver’s license and willingness to support driving for donation distribution
  • Comfortable with basic computer skills; familiarly with Microsoft Excel; willingness to learn to use new software for data entry
  • Must be flexible, patient, and willing to perform other reasonable activities as needed
  • Positive attitude and reliability are essential qualities for prospective candidates
  • Adherence to IRC volunteer and workplace policies
  • Willingness to use fluency in other languages if applicable.

 

HOW TO APPLY

All volunteer opportunities are contingent on clearing a background check*. Volunteers must adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies, which includes confidentiality and providing proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Explore and apply online at Rescue.org/Volunteer, selecting Louisville. Email questions to [email protected].

*Please let us know if you would like to personally contribute a portion of the cost of a background check (~$100 total)—this allows us to allocate more funds towards other refugee services and programs.

 

FOR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS, TEACHERS, & YOUTH PROGRAM LEADERS

If you would like to get your students involved in volunteering and/or organize a volunteer day, please email Alma Herović (she/elle/هي /ella), Development Manager, with the subject line “VOLUNTEER”.

 

OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED & SUPPORT