This is an unpaid position. 

BACKGROUND: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. IRC teams provide health, infrastructure, learning and economic support to people in 50+ countries worldwide. The IRC also provides support to thousands of refugees resettling in 29 U.S. cities each year through initial housing assistance; case management and referral services; job readiness and placement; community and cultural orientation; health and wellness programs; immigration services; and youth programs.

SCOPE OF VOLUNTEER WORK:  The Youth and Education Team works with numerous public school districts in the Greater Puget Sound area to provide culturally sensitive tutoring to refugee and immigrant youth. For the summer, there is always a need to continue the learning momentum for new readers. After onboarding, tutors will be paired with a youth from grades K-5 and meet virtually over Zoom on a weekly basis through the end of the summer to practice reading through various socio-emotional learning activities. After passing a background check (and possibly fingerprints depending on your learning partner's school district), tutors will participate in safeguarding trainings before being assigned to a youth.

LOCATION: Tutoring sessions are held virtually over Zoom.

TIME COMMITMENT: Approximately 2 hours/week commitment through summer 2024. Regular schedule greatly preferred. We ask that prospective volunteers be certain that they can commit through the entire summer. Volunteer inconsistency inhibits learning and trust between youth and volunteer.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS:

  • Provide one-on-one teaching or assisting with English, reading, essential social-emotional skills
  • Participate in interactive reading activities with your paired youthassistance on student homework assignments
  • Grammar workshops
  • Offer students extra English, reading, or math practice outside the classroom
  • Serve as reliable, weekly academic mentor

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be culturally sensitive, respectful of diverse backgrounds, and willing to work with English language learners, previous cross-cultural communication experience a plus
  • Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially.
  • Ability to read, write, and communicate in English;  ability to communicate in a refugee language (ex. Pashto, Dari, Spanish, Persian, French, Ukrainian/Russian, Swahili, Arabic, Tigrinya) helpful, but not required
  • Ability to pass background check
  • Willingness to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies
  • An encouraging and positive attitude is a must!

How to apply:

1. Attend an orientation/info session. Register here.

2. Volunteer Coordinator or IRC staff will follow up.

 

Reports to:                 Tutoring and Individual Learning Coordinator

Updated:                     April 2024