This is an unpaid position. 

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 more than 50 countries worldwide. The IRC also provides support to thousands of refugees resettling in 29 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 Youth and Education Team works with numerous public school districts in the Greater Puget Sound area to provide culturally sensitive tutoring to refugee and immigrant youth. There is a current need for tutoring middle and high school students in English, math, science, and/or reading. After onboarding, tutors will be paired with a youth and meet virtually over Zoom on a weekly basis through the end of the academic school year. Prospective tutors will be provided an orientation to the IRC's work and refugee resettlement. After passing a background check, tutors will participate in safeguarding trainings before being assigned to a youth.

LOCATION: Tutoring sessions are held virtually over Zoom.

TIME COMMITMENT: Approximately 2 hours/week commitment through end of 2024-2025 school year. Regular schedule greatly preferred. We ask that prospective volunteers be certain that they can commit through the entire school year. Volunteer inconsistency inhibits learning and trust between youth and volunteer.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS:

  • Provide one-on-one assistance on student homework assignments
  • Prepare students for quizzes, tests, and exams
  • Offer students extra English, reading, or math practice outside the classroom
  • Serve as reliable, weekly academic mentor

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be culturally sensitive, respectful of diverse backgrounds, and willing to work with English language learners, previous cross-cultural communication experience a plus
  • Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially.
  • Ability to read, write, and communicate in English;  ability to communicate in a refugee language (ex. Pashto, Dari, Spanish, Persian, French, Ukrainian/Russian, Swahili, Arabic, Tigrinya) helpful, but not required
  • Ability to pass background check
  • Willingness to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies
  • An encouraging and positive attitude is a must!

How to apply: Attend one of our upcoming Virtual Volunteer Orientations. Afterward a member of the Development Staff will reach out to get to meet you before sharing the other onboarding steps.

(Updated December 2024)