Basic Digital Skills Volunteer Tutor

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Impact: Help refugees and other newcomers navigate their technological devices (phone, tablet, computer) through basic digital skills tutoring. By providing virtual tutor support, you can empower newcomers to navigate their community with confidence.

Overview: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) welcomes refugees and immigrants providing diverse services to support self-sufficiency and integration. The Virtual Supplemental Case Management (VSCM) Program was created to provide services to clients in need of case management who are outside the serviceable area of an IRC office or other resettlement agency and help resettlement offices who need additional virtual support. The Basic Digital Skills Volunteer works with the VSCM program and will receive training and support throughout the volunteer period. Volunteers will report to our Senior Program Officer. Volunteers will be engaging with clients through virtual platforms (Zoom, WhatsApp, phone, etc.).

Scope of Role: The Basic Digital Skills curriculum includes-

• Basic phone usage (connect to WiFi, make phone calls, download and install phone or laptop application, etc.)
• Basic laptop usage
• Sending an email (compose, send, reply, forward)
• Using public transportation applications (e.g. bus)
• Learning how to navigate their community using Google maps
• Downloading and using transportation applications (Uber, Lyft)
• Using portals for medical appointments and updates, as well as refilling prescriptions.
• Logging in and using video conferencing applications such as Zoom, WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams
• Learning how to pay bills online (utilities, rent)
• Translating text messages and emails (e.g. Google translate, Tradukka, etc.), and accessing online interpretation through Tarjimly, etc.
• Using Microsoft Word or Google Docs to compose and edit a document, build a resume, etc.
• Basic budgeting using Excel or other finance applications
• Basic internet safety (e.g. how to keep password and personal information secure) and avoid phishing and scams

Responsibilities: Include, but are not limited to-

• Committing to a weekly schedule of tutoring sessions without unnotified absence or tardiness, and notifying clients and IRC supervisor of absences in writing at least 48 hours in advance
• Completing and submitting all training as assigned
• Following provided curriculum and reporting progress weekly via case note submissions.
• Providing guidance and support to empower students to develop basic digital skills proficiency
• Tracking volunteer hours served, and consistently and accurately logging volunteer hours in Salesforce/Golden, on a monthly basis
• Upholding and adhering to all IRC, program, and mandatory reporting policies

Time Commitment:

• Must be able to commit to one 2 to 3 hours/week for 12 weeks
• Must show up reliably for regularly scheduled tutor sessions
• Must notify students ASAP of conflicts and work to reschedule tutoring session for the earliest shared availability
• Must complete IRC-delivered orientation and volunteer tutor training

Onboarding requirements:

• All positions are contingent on clearing an IRC background check through HireRight. [A donation is requested to help offset the costs]. Background checks can vary between $30 to $120 depending on the state.
• Review and sign IRC volunteer policy documents and commitment paperwork
• Attend an online orientation to the IRC’s work in the United States and our volunteer tutor program

Qualifications:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be able to meet clients in public venue (library, community center, etc.)
• Adhere to IRC policies and professional standards
• Clear IRC background check
• Demonstrate respect for clients, staff, and other volunteers with global, varied backgrounds and experiences
• Have reliable transportation
• Have access to a functioning, reliable personal laptop/computer to use and sign acceptable use aligning with IRC’s confidentiality policy
• Fluent in English (spoken and written); proficiency in [Spanish, Dari, Pashto, or Swahili] preferred
• Experience working with refugees or immigrants preferred
• Experience tutoring or working in an academic setting preferred

Commitment to Non-Discrimination: The IRC is committed to creating a respectful and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting.