Location: Hybrid/San Jose, CA
Duration: Internships require a commitment of 4 months, 15 hours/week, or minimum of 240 hours total. Volunteers require 3-6 hours/week, 4 months minimum.
This is an unpaid internship requiring a minimum of 240 hours to be completed during business hours 9a-5p, M-F.
Placement is dependent on completion of a background check and fingerprinting at a cost of $40 each.
BACKGROUND:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 45 countries and 29 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our 29 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:
The Refugee Housing Support Volunteer would support the Casework Team at the IRC San Jose office in helping newly arrived refugees with their first homes in the United States. Most families are connected to IRC’s casework team when they have just arrived into the country and often have no permanent housing yet and are unfamiliar with how housing in California even operates. Our task is to get them acquainted with the rental system and barriers in the US and assist them with finding and moving into their first homes. Interns support with research, prospecting, and outreach for potential landlords and sourcing household goods.Volunteers assist Housing staff provide direct client services, and depending on volunteer preferences and in-person availability, the support may include general administrative tasks.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
General responsibilities could include, but are not limited to the following:
• Advocating for refugee populations with community resources, landlords and other entities
• Assisting clients with understanding and navigating the American housing process; explaining apartment leases, rent payments, tenant rights ect.
• Checking suitability of housing and matching to our safety standards
• Researching community resources to support clients in their housing needs
• Cleaning and updating client files, ensuring accurate and current documentation;
• Collaborating with staff to maintain organized program materials and efficient workflow
• Moving clients into their first apartment and home set-up
REQUIREMENTS:
• Must have an interest in supporting refugees and immigrants on their pathway to self-sufficiency and integration into community
• Uphold a full commitment to a weekly schedule of in-person or remote work
• San Jose/ Bay Area based preferred.
• Proficiency in English required, Dari/Pashto/Farsi speaking is an asset
• Ability to manage administrative tasks with attention to detail, reliability and strong organizational skills.
• Experience with non-native English speakers or English Language learners is preferred but not required.
• Ability to lift up to 50+ lbs
TO APPLY:
Complete an online application here. Please submit a cover letter (including desired position, availability and motivation for applying) and resume. You will be contacted for a phone screening and next steps. All volunteer and internships are part-time, unpaid positions and require a background check.
If your school requires any documentation or agreement for a volunteer or internship position, please reach out to GetInvolvedSanJose@rescue.org prior to the phone screening.