LOCATION
Virtual / Oakland, CA

COMMITMENT
Volunteers: 3-6 hours per week for a minimum of 4 months

 

Scope of Work

The Youth Program Tutor volunteer will provide direct tutoring and youth support to refugee, immigrant, and other newcomer students, with a focus on homework help, academic skill building, school engagement, and positive youth development. This role may support individual tutoring, small-group sessions, workshop preparation, attendance tracking, and other youth program activities connected to after-school and enrichment programming. 

  • This is an unpaid volunteer / intern opportunity
  • Acceptance is contingent upon clearing a $40 background check
     

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.
 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Tutoring and Academic Support 

  • Provide homework help and tutoring support for elementary, middle school, and high school students in subjects such as math, science, English language arts, history, and general study skills.
  • Support youth in building organization, time management, reading, writing, and independent study habits.
  • Work one-on-one or in small groups in a patient, encouraging, and culturally responsive manner.
  • Adapt tutoring support based on age, language level, academic need, and learning style. 

Youth Engagement and Program Support 

  • Support after-school, virtual, or enrichment-based youth programming as assigned by the Youth Supervisor or program staff.
  • Assist with preparing session materials, basic lesson activities, and youth-friendly educational resources.
  • Help create a welcoming and structured learning environment that supports student participation, confidence, and belonging.
  • Share observations with staff regarding student barriers, progress, and support needs. 

Documentation and Coordination 

  • Assist with attendance tracking, tutoring logs, and brief notes on youth participation, progress, and follow-up needs.
  • Support program staff with maintaining organized youth files, program records, and other documentation as assigned.
  • Participate in team check-ins, trainings, and planning meetings related to youth programming.
  • Communicate promptly with staff regarding schedule changes, concerns, or issues affecting tutoring support. 
     

REQUIREMENTS

Communication and Interpersonal Skills 

  • Strong communication skills and comfort working with children, teens, and families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
  • Fluency in Dari, Pashto, Spanish, or another high-need language is strongly preferred.
  • Patience, cultural humility, professionalism, and appropriate boundaries when working with youth. 

Availability 

  • Availability at least 3-6 hours per week, with preference for afternoons or early evenings, especially during after-school hours.
  • Ability to commit consistently for a minimum of 4 months. 

Confidentiality and Organization 

  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle youth-related information in a professional manner.
  • Strong attention to detail, reliability, and follow-through with attendance and documentation tasks. 

Teamwork and Independence 

  • Able to work both independently and collaboratively, follow direction, and ask questions when needed.
  • Open to feedback, coaching, and learning program expectations and workflows. 

Technical Skills 

  • Basic computer literacy, including comfort with email, Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Workspace, and virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom.
  • Willingness to learn internal systems or trackers used for attendance, notes, or program coordination. 

Adaptability and Attitude 

  • Comfortable working in a dynamic environment that may involve varied student needs, shifting priorities, and a mix of academic and program support tasks.
  • Positive attitude, dependability, and a solution-oriented mindset.

Other Qualifications 

  • Experience with or interest in tutoring, youth mentorship, education, social services, childcare, or newcomer support.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with youth in a respectful and supportive way.
  • Ability to support tutoring sessions, maintain basic documentation, and communicate clearly with staff.
  • Cultural humility and enthusiasm for working with refugee, immigrant, and newcomer communities.
  • Current college students, recent graduates, and individuals with prior tutoring or youth program experience are encouraged to apply. 

Language Skills

  • Bilingual or multilingual ability in Spanish, Dari, and/or Pashto is a strong asset.
  • English proficiency required; additional language ability is highly valued. 
     

STANDARD OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.
 

Application Process

Fill out an application online and include your resume and language skills. If you are a good fit for this opportunity, someone will be in touch with you.