TIME COMMITMENT: 2 hours each week with a 6-month commitment
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 25 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 DIGITAL SKILLS CLASS ASSISTANT VOLUNTEER POSITION: Digital Skills Class Assistants provide support with basic beginner computer skills to newly arrived refugee individuals in a classroom setting. Tutors will concentrate on improving the client’s employability and ability to use technology by assisting with setting up email addresses, how to search the internet, use software, and other essential functions.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
·Attend Volunteer Orientation.
·Must undergo and pass a background check. The IRC kindly requests a $48 fee to assist in covering the cost of this requirement.
·Assist staff with preparing for, executing, and wrapping up class.
·Provide instructional assistance in a classroom setting to a small to moderately sized group in collaboration with other volunteers and the classroom supervisor.
·Be sensitive to the global environments and contexts of the refugee clients. Respect their beliefs and values, which may differ from yours.
·Notify the classroom supervisor if you are unable to be present during your scheduled hours.
·Communicate regularly with the IRC staff, keeping the Economic Empowerment Supervisor advised of concerns or changes affecting the refuge client and/or your volunteer assignment.
·Maintain proper boundaries with your client(s). Refer issues related to employment, social services, and health care to IRC staff.
·Record hours tutored each session and submit a completed time sheet at the end of each month.
REQUIREMENTS:
·Experience with laptop, tablet, and phone technology.
·Accommodating and flexible demeanor, as skill levels in class may vary.
·Commitment to working with refugees and willingness to learn about cross-global communication and backgrounds of clients
·Ability to travel to the IRC’s Charlottesville office or other class location (downtown) on a regularly scheduled basis: once a week, 2 hours per session, for a minimum of 6 months.
·Willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies, including confidentiality policies and respect for family experiences.
