News from San Jose, CA

Meeting our clients’ material needs are a critical part of the resettlement process in the United States. Donations from hygiene supplies to bicycles and laptops affect their ability to be employed, their access to public services, and integration with the community. Volunteers will assist the Volunteer & Donations Coordinator with outreach, the intake and inventory of in-kind donations and the preparation/delivery of said goods to our clients. Volunteers will work with IRC Staff to identify what items clients need and strategize how to meet these needs with the Volunteer and Donations Coordinator. Volunteers will also assist in valuation of goods, tracking of distributions, and drafting reports to assure grant compliance regarding donation requirements. This position reports to the Volunteer and Donations Coordinator.

Our Casework Services focus on assessing and addressing client needs, providing orientation, connecting to public benefits and supportive services, and may provide limited financial aid, if eligible. Volunteers and Interns primarily work in the office with some field work for outreach or direct services. Under the supervision of the caseworker, volunteers aid in the client’s personal development toward security and self-sufficiency.

Thank you for your interest in assisting refugees and asylees in our community. By volunteering with the IRC San Jose, you can share your unique experience and skills directly with IRC clients. Volunteer support is an integral part of the IRC's mission to provide opportunities for refugees to thrive in San Jose. By volunteering in Youth Services you will assist the Youth Connections Coach with program administration, outreach for both participants and mentors, case management and other tasks as assigned. This position reports to the Youth Connections Coach.

Thank you for your interest in assisting refugees and asylees in our community. By volunteering with the IRC San Jose, you can share your unique experience and skills directly with IRC clients. Volunteer support is an integral part of the IRC's mission to provide opportunities for refugees to thrive in San Jose. The BRIDGE Youth Program is a youth mentoring program that pairs refugee youth aged 15-24 with members of their community that support their academic, professional, and community development in their new homes. This position reports to the Youth Connections Coach.

For IRC clients to become fully self-sufficient, they must be taught how to obtain gainful employment as well as financial literacy. Early Employment volunteers will work in a team to conduct outreach and enroll clients; assist with program administration; and assist IRC staff with case management. This position reports to the Employment Specialist.

Volunteers work closely with the VESL instructor and early employment team to provide basic ESL classes to newly arrived refugees, asylees, SIVs, and victims of trafficking. The English taught is primarily focused on creating a vocational vocabulary for IRC clients to secure their first job although differing levels of English proficiency within our clients may require more advanced training. Volunteers will help create, develop, implement, and teach curriculum to IRC clients. This position reports to the VESL Instructor.

Immigration Outreach volunteers work with the Community Outreach Coordinator to develop strategies to connect with the San Jose immigrant population and provide Naturalization Services. Volunteers are involved in identifying and establishing relationships between organizations and immigrant communities to assist individuals on their path to citizenship. This position reports to the Community Outreach Coordinator and requires a minimum 8 hr/week commitment. Preference will be given to those who can commit 15 hrs/week or more.

Volunteers work with Immigration Program Caseworkers to directly assist clients with the processing and filing of applications for citizenship, lawful permanent residence, family reunification, and other immigration petitions necessary to receive legal residency in the United States and reunite family members. This position reports to the Immigration Coordinator and requires a minimum 8 hr/week commitment. Preference will be given to those who can commit a minimum of 15 hrs/week or more.

For IRC clients to become fully self-sufficient, they must be taught how to obtain gainful employment as well as financial literacy. Financial Empowerment volunteers will work in a team to conduct outreach and enroll clients; organize and facilitate workshops on financial literacy; and assist IRC staff with case management and program administration for the IDA, CEO Lending, and Financial Coaching programs. This position reports to the Financial Empowerment Specialist

For IRC clients to become fully self-sufficient, they must be taught how to obtain gainful employment as well as financial literacy. CareerLink volunteers will work in a team to conduct outreach and enroll clients; process scholarships and training enrollments; and assist IRC staff with case management. This position reports to the Career Development Specialist.