Cultural Orientation Intern

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SCOPE OF WORK: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Phoenix integrates education, case management, & employment services to assist individuals in achieving economic self-sufficiency & self-reliance. IRC works with refugees, asylees, & victims of trafficking, most with limited English proficiency, to overcome barriers to success by offering client-centered services including case management, basic skills education, work readiness training, & job placement. Through these services, IRC clients are prepared to be successful in transitional employment and are on track for being higher education and career ready.

For refugees, the Adult Education program is an integral part in ensuring a successful integration to life in the United States, equipping them with knowledge necessary for daily functions. Within this program, is Cultural Orientation (CO) training. CO training is a comprehensive program that assists refugees & newly arrived immigrants to learn about American culture & how to adjust to living in the United States. CO begins with a transit training, through which participants learn how to navigate their surroundings & city by use of public transit. Following the transit training, participants attend a series of workshops & lectures on the following topics: US laws, civic rights & responsibilities, education opportunities for children & adults, community service, health, housing, nutrition, and safety & security.

Cultural Orientation (CO) Intern will play a key role in helping clients adjust and thrive in their new surroundings and will gain skills & professional experience that include cross-cultural competency & communication, training and adult education, curriculum development, and many other skills from working in a fast-paced, nonprofit professional environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the supervision of the Adult Education staff, the CO Intern will assist with the following:

• Train newly arrived refugees on basic life & adjustment skills twice weekly during Cultural Orientation classes;
• Assess client learning using established evaluation tools and CO objectives;
• Provide logistical support for all CO classes, including coordinating training schedules for clients & maintaining CO materials;
• Provide public transit trainings to newly arrived refugees as needed while working with other public transit interns or volunteers;
• Report weekly to the Orientation Coordinator concerning clients and classes;
• Other relevant program support duties, as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience teaching or training adults preferred, although not required;
• Excellent intercultural communication skills & experience working with diverse populations;
• Willingness to work as part of a team;
• Must have access to reliable transportation or own vehicle;
• Must have availability on Monday & Wednesday from 1pm-5pm;
• Additional availability on Thursday from 9am-4pm preferred, although not required.