Refugee Youth Mentor

Refugee Youth Mentoring Program

Summary

Youth Mentors are paired with ECDC-ACCs youth clients living in suburban Maryland. Mentors assist newly arrived refugees, asylees and SIVs ages 15-24 years old with integration and adjustment to their new community. Mentors may assist mentees with educational and career goal-setting and achievement, including English language practice, identifying career pathways, understanding post-secondary educational opportunities, basic financial literacy and general social adjustment.

All mentoring activities are currently being done REMOTELY until further notice; applicants outside the DC metro area are encouraged to apply. Refugee and youth-specific mentor training is provided.

Key Responsibilities:

• Meet with mentee at least 5 hours per month (according to schedules of mentor & mentee).
• Participate in regular calls or meeting with the Refugee Youth Program Coordinator.
• Communicate with mentee weekly by telephone, video platform or email to keep in touch about what is going on in their lives.
• Commit to meeting with youth once a month for 12 months.
• Learn about the mentees culture, values and experience; cultivate awareness of cultural competence and humility.
• Help youth explore new cultural environment while maintaining and celebrating the youths own cultural heritage.
• Support youth in improving English language ability and other skills as they choose.
• Assist youth with career development including skill building, resume drafting and applications.
• Serve as a positive role model, establish appropriate boundaries, be encouraging and supportive of the mentee.
• Support the mentee in career exploration, career planning, guidance and job training services, as well as development of social emotional skills.
• Participate in quarterly mentor trainings and workshops with other mentee/mentor pairs
• Communicate in a professional, timely, patient and kind manner with the youth, their family and Program Coordinator.
• Communicate consistently with the Program Coordinator and mentee regarding scheduling and mentoring progress.

Requirements

Must be 18 or older or 16 with parental consent.

Sensitivity to persons of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.

Ability to speak multiple languages a plus but not required.

Demonstrate patience, understanding, and flexibility.

Attend ACC DC Metro Volunteer Orientation and Refugee Youth Program Orientation.

Record and report volunteer hours served, as detailed in the orientation.

Pass a criminal background check and driving check.

Contact Christy for details:[email protected]