BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) 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 28 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 VOLUNTEER WORK: This position supports IRC Utah’s Health and Wellness Program by helping refugee and immigrant clients of all ages by providing transportation to medical appointments, assisting clients in strengthening their long-term food security, and connecting clients to various community resources. Volunteers in this role will receive a substantial amount of one-time one-on-one interaction with IRC clients. 

 Volunteers in this role will be expected to transport clients in their personal vehicle to clinics and pharmacies, assist as clients navigate clinics to locate their doctor and complete paperwork, and may occasionally be asked to provide a bus orientation so clients can gain self-sufficiency.  

 Volunteers will assist clients in navigating local food resources, including community food banks and federal nutrition programs such as WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) and CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program). Many of these systems can be difficult to understand and access, especially for individuals new to the U.S. or English learners—which is why volunteers play a vital role in empowering clients to become self-sufficient. 

 Volunteers may be asked to assist in connecting clients to community centers and resources, such as assisting clients in signing up at their local senior centers, assisting clients in signing up for other community food resources, introducing clients to SLC Library resources and community events, and more.  

 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Drive refugees and immigrant families and individuals in personal vehicle to and from various medical appointments  
  • Teach clients how to travel to primary care clinics, food banks, grocery stores, and community centers using public transportation (bus orientation) or by walking 
  • Advocate for clients at appointments to ensure proper treatment and interaction 
  • Introduce clients to their local food bank and other food assistance programs. Help them understand hours of operation and required documentation.
  • Support clients in building confidence in going to medical appointments and to access food resources independently.
  • If new arrival, travel with family to their preferred grocery store to practice using food assistance benefits.
  • Teach family how to identify items that can be purchased with food benefits and how to check out at grocery store 
  • Support family’s self-sufficiency and learning above all else.
  • Communicate questions, successes, and challenges with IRC staff  

REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Must be 18 or older with valid driver’s license and insurance.
  • Access to reliable transportation; access to reliable personal vehicle preferred with space for car seats.
  • Able to use and cover personal cost of public transportation.
  • Able to pass IRC background check, which includes evaluation of driving history. 
  • Patient and flexible. Reliable and able to work independently. Client needs change frequently and volunteer times may vary.
  • Able to take at least one appointment per week during normal clinic hours and food bank business hours.
  • Willingness to learn about refugee health access, food security, and the work of the IRC.
  • Experience working with diverse backgrounds preferred.

EXPECTATIONS:  Volunteers should live in Salt Lake City with a personal vehicle. We do ask that volunteers in this role can support at least once a week for a period of 3-4 hours between 7:30am-6pm. Volunteers will receive confirmation of appointment(s) to support for the upcoming week by Friday the week before. 

NEXT STEPS: 

  1. Attend a general volunteer orientation. You can sign up for one here: https://x.gldn.io/e/0y5m8qmmKWb
  2. If you are not a current volunteer of the IRC, you will be required to pass a background check. We request a donation of $45 to cover the cost of the background check.

Questions? Please email us at VolunteerSLC@rescue.org.