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 40 countries worldwide. The IRC also provides support to thousands of refugees resettling in 25 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 Volunteer Work:

The IRC Youth Mentorship program is for refugee youth who are 18-24 years old. This program meets the unique needs of older youth by providing one-on-one mentorship from volunteers and case management from IRC staff. Each youth in this program creates a five-month plan for reaching goals related to post-secondary education, high school completion, work readiness and/or life skills with an IRC staff member prior to starting with their mentor. Positive adult relationships with mentors will support youth through the successes and challenges of reaching their goals. For this program, each mentor will be paired with a youth based on skills and interests. Mentors and mentees will be expected to be meet at least twice a month for a minimum commitment of three months. Please note: Not all applicants will be matched with a student, as we try to pair mentors and mentees based on their shared interests. 

Location: South King County. Mentors will meet with Mentees at a predetermined location.

Time Commitment: Mentors meet at least twice a month with their mentee for the duration of one hour per session for the initial commitment of 3-5 months (mentor-mentee relationships are re-evaluated every three months in the case of extension). Mentors also must check in with IRC staff in person or via phone once per month. Total time commitment is 3-5 hours per month for 3-5 months. Mentors must also attend a mandatory training. 

Essential Position Functions: 

Mentors to provide activities that support refugee youth age 18-24 years to build healthy and prosperous lives by:

  • Supporting individual educational and vocational advancement
  • Promoting positive civic and social engagement
  • Acting as a positive role model for young community members
  • Working to aid them in planning and achieving goals
  • Providing a supportive adult relationship, empowerment, cultural navigation, positive engagement, and providing expertise on culture, education and career paths. 
     

Mentees work with IRC staff  to identify long term and short term goals and set benchmarks to achieve goals, and mentors will help them along their journey of making steps towards achieving those goals! Mentors will also be some provided guidance by IRC staff in the form of check-ins, questionnaires, curriculum, and recommended resources to explore with their Mentee.

Requirements:

  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and across language barriers
  • Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially
  • Must be able to provide a positive adult relationship and support in one of the following areas: high school completion, post-secondary education, vocational goals and/or positive social and civic engagement
  • Previous experience working with refugee/immigrant and/or low-income communities preferred
  • Some experience teaching/mentoring and/or working with youth preferred
  • Flexibility and positive attitude appreciated 
  • Mentors are expected to follow policies and guidelines outlined by IRC staff.
  • Mentors must be reliable and consistent, notifying IRC staff and mentees immediately in the case of tardiness or cancellations.
  • Enthusiastic about helping Youth
  • Must attend IRC Mentor Training

Please note: Not all applicants will be matched with a student, as we try to pair mentors and mentees based on their shared interests. 

How to apply:

1. Attend an orientation/info session. Register here.

2. Volunteer Coordinator or IRC staff will follow up.

 

Reports to:  Youth Success Program Coordinator

Updated: April 2024