Volunteer evaluators are supported by local evaluation network staff with the Evaluation Alliance for Human Rights (EAHR) as part of the Arizona Asylum Network. Local evaluation network staff match volunteers to appropriate evaluation referrals, coordinate assessment appointments and logistics (including interpretation, if needed), provide crisis support, and liaise between the survivors’ legal representatives and the volunteer evaluators throughout the affidavit writing process.  

Volunteer evaluators play a critical role in improving the likelihood that survivors of persecution who seek safe harbor in the United States will be able to continue to live here in safety and stability. In fact, it is estimated that access to a medical or psychological assessment more than doubles a survivor’s chance of being granted immigration relief.  

Time commitment varies and is based on volunteer evaluator ability and applicant need. We ask that volunteer evaluators conduct at least 2 medical or psychological evaluations per year. 

 

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS:  

  • Conducting evaluations can be time intensive, involving both assessment appointment(s), drafting, editing, and finalizing an extensive formal summary (affidavit) with assessment results. Evaluating trauma survivors is also emotionally heavy work with potential for vicarious trauma and countertransference. To protect everyone’s mental and physical health, volunteer evaluators must also engage in intentional and regular self-care. EAHR staff are available to provide resources and support.
  • Protecting a volunteer evaluator’s credibility and professional integrity is key. Volunteers are expected to approach evaluations with clinical impartiality. Evaluations should provide unbiased documentation of evidence of physical and/or psychological sequelae correlating to the trauma events presented in the applicant’s immigration claim. Evaluators should not draw non-clinical opinions, make moral judgements, or discriminate against applicants based on their religion, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, education level, or personal decisions.
  • Conducting evaluations is not the same as providing mental or medical care. In order to preserve their independence and protect their credibility, volunteer evaluators may not provide treatment during interactions with an immigration applicant or while the applicants’ immigration case is open. The EAHR team will refer applicants to other resources and treatment providers, as needed. 
  • By joining the IRC Evaluation Alliance for Human Rights (EAHR) team, volunteer evaluators commit to participate in a growing community of practice and learning, engaging with fellow network partners, volunteers, applicants, and staff members in open communication, dialogue, and reciprocal feedback.  

 

REQUIREMENTS:  

  • Independently licensed medical or mental health provider in Arizona, Texas, or Washington.  
  • Accepted credentials for mental health evaluators include: Independent Licensed Clinical Social Work (LICSW), Licenced Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) or equivalent, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD or PhD), Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP), Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) with a speciality in psychiatric care.  
  • Accepted credentials for medical evaluators include: Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP), Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). 
  • Must be available/able to conduct at least two medical or psychological evaluations per year. 
  • Prior experience working with various language speakers is preferred, but not required.  
  • Must attend a qualified introductory training and engage in additional training and learning opportunities as part of EAHR’s communal committment to ongoing learning and growth. 
  • Passionate about supporting immigrants across communities with a dedication to justice & equity, collaboration and professional integrity, and trauma-informed healing practices. 
  • Commitment to cultural humility, which is central to the completion of a high-quality evaluation that simultaneously garners the most accurate information and minimizes re-traumatization for the immigration applicant.  
  • Commitment to professionalism and open dialogue. EAHR seeks individuals committed to participating in a growing community of practice and learning. 

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement:

In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires all volunteers who are interested in providing in-person support for our work to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be onboarded for the position. If proof of vaccine cannot be provided, volunteers may still apply as a virtual-only volunteer evaluator. 

 


NEXT STEPS:

  1. Attend a volunteer evaluation orientation to learn more! Explore our website to learn more and get involved: www.evaluationalliance.org/volunteer/join
  2. Once you have attended an approved training, to advance, please submit a volunteer application here, indicating "EAHR Evaluation Volunteer" as the top position that interests you.
  3. After your application is received and reviewed, an EAHR staff member will reach out to conduct an interview. If a mutal fit is agreed, IRC will check your license, run a background check, and check your references. 
  4. All positions are contingent on clearing checks. Once checks are cleared, you'll receive a volunteer service agreement and IRC will set up your accounts and connect you with a mentor to schedule your first evaluation!

 

QUESTIONS: 

Email us at [email protected]