Volunteer Coordination Intern Spring 2019

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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:

This position will help support the Volunteer Coordinator’s efforts to recruit, train, and support volunteers at the IRC San Jose office. This internship allows for great learning and responsibility on part of the candidate and is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to gain hands-on experience to work in the nonprofit sector.

COMMITMENT:

Minimum 15 hours per week for 4-6 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:

• Plan unique volunteer appreciation events
• Schedule volunteers and interns for regular shifts
• Conduct on-boarding orientations for new volunteers on their first day of arrival and train them on their office functions
• Update volunteer and internship opportunities on the website
• Manage correspondence with interested volunteers
• Logistical Support: register new volunteers with the IRC; send out background checks; enter and maintain volunteer contact list; update volunteer picture/info board

REQUIREMENTS:

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with partners, donors, and colleagues in a cross cultural, multi-disciplinary environment
• 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
• Solid organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, set priorities, effectively manage time and meet deadlines
• Have a strong sense of personal initiative and be able to work independently in a fast-paced office
• Proficient in Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word and Excel
• Experience using donor acknowledgement software preferred
• Knowledge and understanding of ethics and confidentiality related to fundraising
• Enjoys working with people and is comfortable with speaking in front of group

REWARDS:

• Gain firsthand experience on how to run and manage a broad volunteer support program
• Interns leave their internship with transferable skills that can help launch a career
• Learn firsthand about the intern and volunteer recruiting process

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