Professional Mentor Volunteer

Save to Favorites

ABOUT THE IRC:

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. The IRC responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our 26 offices across the U.S. work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency, and ensure new arrivals have food, shelter and clothing.

IRC SAN JOSE:

As one of the IRC’s 26 domestic offices, the San Jose office serves refugees, asylees, special immigrants from Iraq and Afghanistan, and victims of human trafficking in Santa Clara County. Since opening in 1975, the San Jose office has resettled over 20,000 refugees, who in turn have helped to build a stronger community. A committed staff of professionals and volunteers provide essential case management and immigration services to immigrant families, providing them with the resources and tools to rebuild their lives with safety and dignity.

SCOPE OF WORK:

Professional Mentors provide guidance to refugees, asylees, and immigrants to advance their careers in the United States. Resettlement programs have traditionally focused on entry-level job placement and there is a scar-city of long-term career advancement services to help clients navigate out of poverty. Currently, the average in-come of our clients is below the poverty line outlined by the Department of Health and Human Services. As part of our CareerLink program, the IRC in San Jose is looking for professionals from the Healthcare and Hospitality fields who want to apply their knowledge and skills to help refugees and immigrants attain their long-term career goals and become financially secure. Mentors meet with clients on a regular basis, engaging in activities such as developing action plans and goals, updating and improving client resumes, practicing interview skills, applying for training/educational programs, and attending networking events together.

COMMITMENT

Minimum 6+ hours per week for at least 4 months, with a courtesy notice of at least 2 weeks prior to leaving the organization. Hours can be completed during normal business hours of Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. May require weekend and evening availability.

General Requirements:

• You must be 18 years or older to volunteer and complete a background check
• An interest in international and refugee issues
• Must be reliable and willing to work independently and as part of a team
• A willingness to learn about the diverse ethnic backgrounds of clients and adhere to IRC volunteer/intern and workplace policies
• Ability and willingness to drive clients to and from appointments, and/or help teach clients to take public transportation. Work-related driving would be reimbursed.
• Proficiency in other languages highly desirable (i.e. Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Arabic, Tigrinya, Farsi, Dari, Pashto, or Swahili)

• Meet with clients on a regular basis
• Help develop action plans and goals
• Update and improve client resumes
• Help clients practice interview skills and apply for training and educational programs
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English; proficiency in Farsi, Spanish, Tigrinya, Pashto, Dari preferred but any other second language is a plus.

APPLY:

• Complete an online application here : http://bit.ly/IRCVolunteerApplicationSJ
  • Applications must include a resume and cover letter in a single PDF file. Please tailor your cover letter to include the following:
    • Up to three positions of interest ranked in order of preference
    • Time availability, i.e. specific days and times each week, your anticipated start and end dates for interning, and your immediate interview availability, if different from internship availability
    • Any requirements for filing your internship for school credit, e.g. total number of hours to be completed or filing deadline
    • Once your application is received, qualified candidates will be invited to schedule a phone screening

For more information on the application process and timeline, visit our volunteer page at https://www.rescue.org/volunteer-opportunities/san-jose-ca