Refugee Resettlement 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 completing required services to help clients integrate into their new communities such as bus training and ESL registration during the client's first 90 days.

TITLE: Refugee Resettlement Volunteer

LOCATION:Des Moines, IA

START DATE: Ongoing

DURATION:Minimum 1-month time commitment

SCHEDULE:Flexible, 2-4 hours a week Monday Friday between 9-5 PM.

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 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 completing required services to help clients integrate into their new communities.

RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE:

• Assist Case Manager in training clients to ride DART bus from their residence to the IRC office, doctors office, grocery store, and other important locations. No prior experience riding the bus is necessary, training will be provided
• Accompany clients to register for English language classes. Assist client in learning to take the bus to class if needed
• Takeclients to DOT to apply for a State ID
• Register refugee youth for school
• Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Display sensitivity to cultural and personality differences of refugee clients, showing respect for their beliefs and values.
• Gain exposure to interacting with diverse communities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Deepen understanding of the refugee and immigrant communities' unique barriers, challenges, and assets.
• Develop skills related to building a community network of connections and resources.
• Identifyways to consolidate information and disseminate it to broad audiences.

Desired but not Required:

• Can speak Swahili, Dari / Farsi, Pashto, French, or Spanish.
• Driver's license and insured car

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.