Family Mentor

Family Mentor

International Rescue Committee
 
SCOPE OF VOLUNTEER WORK:
 The family mentor will provide support to refugee families recently resettled into Salt Lake City.  He/she acts as both a mentor and guide to refugees navigating a new community, and creates a safe space for the family to practice and build their English skills.  Other activities that family mentors could do include: providing a neighborhood orientation, helping the children and parents learn walking or bus routes to school, reading mail, visiting museums and helping the family learn about low-cost community resources.  Family mentors meet with their family once a week for two hours for at least four months. 
 
ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS:
  Assist refugee families with becoming familiar with the local community, including transportation systems, grocery stores and restaurants, and recreational areas.
Assist refugee families with managing household affairs and errands.
  Assist refugee families with any special needs, making sure to coordinate when needed with IRC staff.
 Assist refugee families in acquiring basic English skills.
 Other related duties as assigned.
 
REQUIREMENTS:
Able to commit at least eight hours a month for four  months; schedule is otherwise flexible
Communicate hours and activities on a monthly basis to IRC
Keep confidentiality agreements
Reliable and flexible
Willing to learn about IRC history, philosophy, global work, and local efforts
Willing to learn about cross-cultural communication and ethnic backgrounds of clients
Willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies, including confidentiality policies and respect for family experiences
Willingness to learn about the family and interact on a regular basis
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English; additional fluency in a refugee language a plus 
Reports to:                  Lyn Spataro, Volunteer Coordinator
Position:                      Volunteer