Welcome Committee: Housing Set Up Volunteer

The IRC in Des Moines seeks volunteers to work with resettlement staff to assist refugees during their first 90 days in the United States. Volunteers will assist the case manager in welcoming refugees resettling in Des Moines by being part of the team that sets up their new apartment or house!

TITLE: Welcome Committee: Housing Set Up Volunteer

LOCATION:Des Moines, IA

START DATE: Ongoing

DURATION:Minimum 1-month time commitment

SCHEDULE:Flexible (mostly on call) most setups occur Monday Friday, between 9-5 PM, but can also happen on weekends. A typical housing setup takes 2-5 hours.

BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading, non-sectarian, non-profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. Domestically, our 29 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.

The Des Moines, IA office was opened in July of 2022, serving more than 200 refugees in its first year. Our operations expanded to Iowa City with our office opening in February 2024. The Health and Wellness Coordinator supports clients in navigating complex medical and benefits systems, and designs and connects clients to programs and resources that improve their quality of life.

Scope of Service

The volunteer will assist the case manager to prepare and furnish apartments for new refugee families. Volunteers will not be required to purchase anything.

RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE:

• Traveling with IRC staff to pick up and drop off furniture, supplies, and food to the new home
• Unpacking, assembling, and arranginghousehold items to create a welcoming home
• Washingand putting dishes away
• General cleaning such as dusting and vacuuming
• Setting up other household items such as beds so they are ready to go upon client arrival

This is an unpaid volunteer position with an opportunity for reimbursement for using a personal vehicle.

How to apply

Go tohttps://irc-global.my.salesforce-sites.com/volunteerand complete the application. If you need assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to[email protected]. Once your application is received, a staff member will contact you for a brief interview. You will then receive a link to complete a background check. Finally, you will be contacted to attend a required volunteer training.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.