LOCATION
Oakland, CA / Hybrid

COMMITMENT
Volunteers: Minimum 4 hours per week 
Interns: Minimum 15 hours per week for at least 4 full months, or 240 hours total 

 

Scope of Work

The Youth Program Volunteer / Intern supports refugee and immigrant youth in their academic, social, and emotional development through culturally responsive programming. This includes educational workshops, mentorship, enrichment activities, and engagement with schools and families. The Youth Program Volunteer / Intern will assist in planning and facilitating youth-focused activities, providing support for workshop preparation and delivery, engaging with young clients and families, and contributing to program coordination. 
 

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

Youth Engagement and Communication

  • Assist with outreach and engagement of youth and their families, including phone calls, emails, and in-person events
  • Support youth in navigating program resources, school connections, and workshop opportunities
  • Provide culturally and age-appropriate support to children, adolescents, and young adults

Workshop and Activity Support

  • Help plan and prepare materials and logistics for youth workshops and group activities, including after-school events, summer programming, or mentorship sessions
  • Assist with workshop delivery, including setup, sign-in, behavior support, translation, and post-event follow-up
  • Provide supervision and general support during group activities with youth (under staff guidance)

Documentation and Case File Support

  • Assist with documenting attendance and participation records for workshops and activities
  • Support program staff in maintaining organized files for youth participants (digital and/or physical)
  • Enter basic case notes or updates into tracking systems under supervision

Program Support and Coordination

  • Participate in youth team meetings and planning sessions
  • Support with basic administrative tasks such as printing materials, organizing supplies, and preparing for events
  • Help identify youth needs and program improvement opportunities through feedback and observation
     

REQUIREMENTS

  • Comfortable interacting with children, teens, and families from diverse backgrounds
  • Prior experience working with youth (babysitting, tutoring, classroom support, childcare, or similar) is a plus
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all youth-related matters
  • Experience or interest in one of the following languages is a plus: Dari, Pashto, Spanish
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills: the ability to work sensitively with clients, partners, and colleagues in a cross cultural, multi-disciplinary environment
  • Solid organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, set priorities, and effectively manage time and meet deadlines
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Zoom
  • Cultural humility and desire to help and work with newcomer communities
     

This position reports to the Resettlement Coordinator

  • This is an unpaid volunteer / intern opportunity
  • Acceptance is contingent upon clearing a $40 background check
  • Internships are available for current college students starting their second year, graduate students, and graduates within 2 years of graduation
  • Course credit is available if the student coordinates with their university and confirms the appropriate paperwork with the IRC Volunteer Coordinator
     

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 cover letter. If you are a good fit for this opportunity, someone will be in touch with you. 

Please note we have three onboarding cohorts throughout the year. We recommend you apply 1-2 months before the start of your desired cohort.

  • Fall: Starts in September
  • Spring: Starts in February
  • Summer: Starts in May-June