Donations & CIK Intern

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:

Meeting donation needs are a critical part of their resettlement process in the United States. Donations from furniture to bicycles affect their ability to be employed, their access to public services, and integration with the community. Interns will assist the Volunteer & Donations Coordinator with outreach, the intake of in-kind donations and work with our current community partners. Prepare items to be given away to newly arrived refugees. Deliver items to newly arrived refugees. Work with caseworkers to identify what items newly arrived refugees need. Interns will also assist in tracking and drafting reports for our Match Grant program.

COMMITMENT:

Minimum 15 hours per week for 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 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Weekend and evening availability may be required for trainings and events.

This internship is unpaid.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS:

• Assist with the collection of items needed for refugee families
• Organize donations drives in coordination with staff.
• Collaborate with clients and staff to identify different client needs.
• Collaborate across departments with staff, volunteers, community partners and clients.
• Assist in tracking donations

REQUIREMENTS:

• Proficiency in other languages highly desirable (i.e. Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Arabic, Tigrinya, Farsi, Dari, Pashto, or Swahili)
• Must be reliable and willing to work independently and as part of a team
• Must be flexible and willing to help other teams and departments as needed
• 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.
• Perform front-of-office reception and administrative tasks while in office
• An interest in international, refugee, and human rights issues
• Enrollment in a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree program
• Excellent interpersonal skills: ability to work effectively with partners, donors, colleagues in a cross cultural, multi-disciplinary environment.
• Willingness to work across departments toward measurable outcomes.
• Must be comfortable with communicating with clients and community partners on the phone and in person.
• Solid organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks
• Valid driver’s license and a vehicle with a valid insurance are required

REWARDS:

• Build network with local community members
• Gain skills in donation outreach, organization, and delivery

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 internship page at https://www.rescue.org/announcement/fall-internships-san-jose-2018