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 40 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 Position: The Afghan Mental Health Assistant is responsible for supporting the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) program activities and internal and external communication. This position will assist the Peer Support Specialist to support individuals and families from the Afghan community who are experiencing adjustment difficulties by: (1) assisting with client-centered needs assessments and skill-building workshops to enhance problem solving and promote positive interactions; (2) offering encouragement, practical assistance, guidance, and emotional support to clients. This role will engage in internal team meetings to facilitate communication through interpretation between Dari and English, as well as external meetings with other programs or agencies such as schools, clinics, or community-based services.
Locations: Flexible. Hybrid option available for remote and in-office. Some community-based meetings and activities will be required. Office is located at 1200 192nd St. Suite 101 SeaTac, WA 98148.
Time Committment: 15-20 hours/week during IRC office hours (M-F, 9 am-5 pm). Flexible schedule. Position begins Summer, 2022 with a commitment of 3-6 months.
Essential Position Functions:
- Support MHPSS program implementation including assisting with needs assessments, skill building activities in the communities, and interpreting between Dari and English for the MHPSS team for internal and external meetings.
- Accompany team members to community-based locations for meetings when required.
- Support documentation of activities.
- Occasional translation of written materials may be required.
- Attend and engage in all team meetings, staff meetings, and other relevant meetings and participate fully as a member of the IRC team.
- Attend IRC conference calls addressing mental health program development and other refugee mental health and psychosocial support related topics.
- Attend trainings as requested to assist in execution of responsibilities. Other duties, as required.
Requirements:
- Relevant degree or equivalent professional and/or lived experience
- Professional proficiency in in English and Dari and/or Pashto required
- Familiarity with issues facing refugee and immigrant communities as they relate to trauma, adjustment, and mental health preferred
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
- Flexibility in availability (within standard working hours) and ability to be available on short notice
- Ability to follow strict guidelines of client confidentiality and safeguarding
- Ability to work independently and as a team member in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment
- Commitment to anti-racism and ongoing learning
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires candidates who are selected for interview to have proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for this position.
Key working relationships:
Position Reports to: Mental Health Program Coordinator
Other Internal and/or external contacts:
- Internal: MHPSS and other IRC Seattle program teams, Volunteer support teams,
- External: Community based service providers and systems
Apply:
1. Please email [email protected] with a resume and cover letter
2. Please fill out our online volunteer application
Updated: May 2022