Refugee Cultural Orientation Teacher Volunteer

The IRC in Des Moines seeks multiple volunteers to teach required Cultural Orientation classes, where newly arrived refugees learn important information about life in the US and Iowa

TITLE: Cultural Orientation Volunteer

LOCATION:Des Moines, IA

START DATE: Ongoing

DURATION:Minimum 3-month time commitment,background check required

SCHEDULE:Cultural Orientations are held 4-6 days a month on Thursdays and Fridays, typically between 10-4. Shifts are available 10-1 and 1-4. Scheduling is flexible depending on availability.

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 teach Cultural Orientation classes, where newly arrived refugees learn about the basics of life in the U.S. Wide-ranging topics such as emergency services, transportation, and school are covered so that refugees can begin to thrive in their new environment. Volunteers will also help newly arrived refugees explore their neighborhoods and provide follow-up support for individuals needing additional one-on-one assistance.

RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE:

• Complete required training on cultural orientation content, either in person or virtually
• Facilitate small to large-group instruction using the provided Cultural Orientation curriculum
• Work with interpreters to effectively deliver instructional content to multilingual students
• Assist in orienting newly arrived refugees to their neighborhoods through classes and field trips (libraries, parks, clothing stores, grocery stores, and other community services)
• Provide follow-up for individuals needing more assistance after the Cultural Orientation class
• Help develop new resources and curriculum to introduce newly arrived refugees to U.S. customs, laws, and culture

Desired but not Required:

• Can speak Swahili, Dari / Farsi, Pashto, French, or Spanish.

This is an unpaid volunteer position.

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.