SCOPE OF WORK

IRC San Diego has operated Youth Programs in San Diego County since 1996, helping more than 300 refugee youth every year successfully stay in school, graduate, and transition to college or a career. The Education and Training department’s focus is on newly arrived refugee and immigrant youth who may have experienced trauma and continue to navigate a great deal of stress through the process of acculturation and language acquisition. Throughout the year, IRC’s Education and Training Department facilitates a variety of programs to support student’s academic and career growth.  

IRC San Diego currently facilitates youth workforce services throughout City Heights and El Cajon. Volunteer Peer Mentors will work one-on-one with clients to support with assignment completion, subject matter learning, and/or English Language development. Peer Mentors will provide relational, peer-based support that strengthens engagement, persistence, and retention. Peer Mentors will provide a positive, encouraging, safe environment for youth to develop and utilize their skills and understand their assignments.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Volunteers will guide youth in utilizing their skills to understand and work on homework assignments in school subjects, including but not limited to: English, math, literature, history, science, etc.; sometimes assistance is requested for college and/or scholarship applications; 
  • Volunteers will provide youth with strategies in completing assignments and time-management; 
  • Volunteers will assist in creating a positive, encouraging, safe environment for students to learn and develop their skills; 
  • Volunteers will help deepen youth engagement by creating informal spaces that build trust, peer connection, and problem solving through community circles, peer gatherings, drop-in sessions, wellness activities, and more; 
  • Volunteers will assist the Career Specialist navigating resources to address the youth needs;  
  • Volunteers will communicate with IRC Staff regarding any issues or availability changes. 

VOLUNTEER BENEFITS

  • Volunteers with be trained on best practices to support the academic growth and well-being of refugee youth and English Language Learners; 
  • Volunteers will gain insight on various refugee and immigrant issues and the support systems that enable them to thrive;  
  • Volunteers will receive ongoing feedback to develop skillset working with newcomer youth; 
  • Volunteers will develop meaningful connections with IRC-SD staff and interns, other volunteers, and youth;  
  • Volunteers will get professional experience in a diverse, client-driven non-profit organization. 

 TIME REQUIREMENTS

  • Volunteers are required to be available for a minimum of 1 day per week during IRC San Diego office hours 9am – 4:30 pm or some evenings 5-7pm.   
  • Volunteers are expected to commit to a minimum of 3 months of service.  
  • Volunteers are expected to meet with their client in person or virtually three times per month.  

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Must be 18-24 years of age 
  • Must be in San Diego 
  • Familiarity with one or more common school subjects  
  • Volunteers will be flexible, patient, and understanding of student needs 
  • Experience with similar lived experience is a plus  
  • Experience working with refugees or English language learners a plus 
  • Experience working with youth and young adults (ages 16 - 24) is a plus 
  • Experience tutoring or mentoring is a plus 
  • Personable and comfortable working in a diverse, inclusive, multi-cultural setting   
  • Must undergo and pass a background check clearance and livescan fingerprinting  
  • Access to laptop, computer, or other device with access to Zoom and wi-fi connection if virtual sessions are offered. 

 

APPLY BY CLICKING HYPERLINK HERE

If you are interested in volunteering and submitting an application for this role, please ensure that you (1) indicate you are applying to the San Diego Office and (2) Under "Volunteer Interest and Information" please enter the top three positions that interest you and indicate the "Volunteer Peer Mentor" to be considered.

When we are ready to proceed with your application, we reach out to discuss next steps!