On-going Volunteer Opportunity: Public Transportation Volunteer

Reports to: Caseworker (Resettlement)

Coordinates with: Development/Resettlement/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 Public Transportation Volunteer provides critical support to meet the basic needs of new arrivals. This volunteer utilizes excellent knowledge of the city of Louisville to guide our newest neighbors and establish a sense of familiarity and confidence in using public transit systems to get to and from common destinations (i.e., the IRC Louisville office, work, ESL classes, medical centers, grocery stores, school, etc.). IRC Louisville provides newly arrived clients with initial transportation orientation; this volunteer helps provide more in-depth guidance. Both clients and volunteers receive TARC resources and instructions.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide one-on-one transportation orientation to newly arrival refugees on how to use the local public transportation system (e.g., show clients how to travel to and from the IRC office, their own workplace, English class, etc.)
  • Researching transportation resources and benefits locally for client use
  • Help design/update trainings on navigating Louisville through public transportation options
  • Coordinate with the Resettlement staff to review, develop, and revise client transportation routes for each case

 

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