TIME COMMITMENT: Minimum 6 month committment with at least 5 hours a week. 

BACKGROUND: 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. Domestically, our 22 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.

SCOPE OF WORK: Volunteers will assist casework staff in providing direct client services, including shopping for and setting up households for arriving refugee families, transporting and accompanying clients to required appointments such as Social Security office, Health Department, Dept. of Social Services and providing orientation to the Charlottesville public transit system.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Attend Volunteer Orientation and undergo IRC's background check procedure.
  • Transport clients to various agencies and appointments
  • Orient new refugees to transportation systems and community
  • Shop for and set up homes for arriving refugees
  • Assist clients in opening checking accounts
  • Assist Case Work Staff in Administrative Work such as preparing new case files, making appointments, filing, faxing, creating case notes, preparing forms
  • Record hours served each month. 

REQUIREMENTS:

  • High School degree or equivalent experience
  • Demonstrated ability to prioritize time effectively
  • Work well under pressure
  • Flexible and adaptive to change
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle with current insurance and the ability to travel throughout the regular service delivery area
  • Willing to adhere to IRC Volunteer and workplace policies, including confidentiality policies