TIME COMMITMENT: On call 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 WORK: Large grocery stores can be overwhelming to those new to the US! Volunteers will assist the caseworkers in orienting newly-arrived clients with their local shopping options, primarily grocery stores. Help clients learn how to navigate the grocery store, locate needed items, and go through the check out process. While not always necessary, volunteers must be comfortable with transporting clients to and from the grocery store. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

•Attend Volunteer/Intern Orientation

•Must undergo and pass a background check. The IRC kindly requests a $35 fee to assist in covering the cost of this requirement

•Orient new clients with their local shopping options; occasionally providing transportation for clients to and from the store

•Use only IRC funds to purchase essential items for clients from grocery store; must be able to prioritize necessities over luxury items and must NOT go over the spending limit

•Accurately provide spending receipts and other relevant fiscal documentation to the Casework Specialist

•Advocate for clients during delivery of needed services; represent IRC in a professional manner

•Record hours and submit completed timesheet for each month via the IRC’s online Volunteer Dashboard.

REQUIREMENTS:

•Able to work with minimal supervision

•Must have a strong sense of personal boundaries

•Must be available within regular business hours on weekdays

•Comfortable working in a multicultural environment

•Flexible, able to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

•Excellent written and verbal communication skills

•Reliable, responsible, able to complete tasks within required time-frame

•Must have a car and a clean driving record

•Must be located in Charlottesville, Virginia and be willing to complete field work.