Volunteer opportunities

Volunteer process

1. Review our current available volunteer positions.

2. Gain a comprehensive overview of the refugee resettlement process as a whole, along with details on the services offered by the IRC in Phoenix. Learn how you can get involved by attending a monthly information session. The information session is held once per month at the IRC office located on the fourth floor of the "Arizona College" building off of 43rd Ave. & Olive/Dunlap at 4425 West Olive Avenue #400 Glendale, AZ 85302. To inquire about our next orientation session, please email [email protected]. NOTE: You may submit volunteer application prior to attending the information session

3. Complete an application: When you are ready to join the IRC as a volunteer or intern, complete the Volunteer application. You can receive an application when you attend the information session or download it here. When completing the application, please provide specific information regarding your interests and availability and provide email addresses and local phone numbers for your references. NOTE: Applications are only considered complete when both references are received. You are responsible for sending the reference request form provided in the application packet to your contacts, and having them email it back directly to [email protected].  Once the application is complete, it’ll be passed to the corresponding staff member for their approval, moving your application to the next step. Internship applicants should additionally submit a resume with their completed application.

4. Interview: Complete an interview with the Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator and staff that correspond to the position to further discuss the details of the opportunity and determine whether it is the most ideal fit.

5. Position determination: The Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator will contact you to suggest a placement that meets your skills, interests, and availability, as well as the needs of the IRC in Phoenix and the population we serve.

6. Complete a background check: Once you complete an interview and agree to a suggested position, the IRC will conduct a background check through HireRight, our third-party background check provider. Applications will receive an email with a link to enter their sensitive information and once cleared, will be contacted to schedule a start date. The IRC in Phoenix respectfully requests that you consider donating $30 toward the cost of your IRC background check. NOTE: In addition to the background check, some volunteer opportunities require a valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card. Before applying, ensure that the suggested opportunity indeed requires a Fingerprint Clearance Card. Fingerprint Clearance Cards are valid for five years and offer clearance for the carrier to work with a multitude of vulnerable populations, not just IRC clients. New fingerprint clearance card applicants should apply under ARS 46-141.

7. Start date: When your background check is cleared and placement is confirmed, the Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator will work with you and the appropriate staff person to schedule your first day. All newly accepted volunteers and interns will begin their service with an orientation with the Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator on the office policies, confidentiality, and communication guidelines, and to make all efforts to participate in ongoing training opportunities.