Opportunities From: United Way of the Plains Volunteer Center

BACKGROUND:

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict.  The IRC in Wichita resettles approximately 300 newly-arrived refugees per year and provides numerous program services to assist the refugee from their arrival through citizenship.

 

Time Commitment:

This volunteer position is an on-call opportunity. Medical, Social Security, educational, and other such appointments typically take place Monday-Friday during normal business hours. A typical appointment takes approximately 2-4 hours.

 

Responsibilities: The volunteer will assist the caseworkers in transporting refugees to various appointments. This could include;

   

Picking up clients from their homes and taking them to appointments; Then returning them home.  Advocating for clients when they arrive at the appointment, and staying with them to ensure that they have completed the appointment. Working with caseworkers to assess the needs of the clients and manage language barriers Being a mentor as clients adjust to life in the U.S

 

Skills & Qualifications: Volunteers must be able and willing to transport clients in their personal vehicle; Must have a reliable vehicle and a valid Driver's License; Must have no major driving violations in the past 5 years. Must be culturally sensitive and respectful of diverse backgrounds; able to collaborate with others and work well as part of a team; able to work independently in a fast-paced environment; able to handle client information confidentially.

Job Description

This is an AmeriCorps*VISTA position and therefore pays a stipend of $513.94 every other week; medical benefits available through AmeriCorps

BACKGROUND:

Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict.   

SCOPE OF WORK:

The Donations Coordination AmeriCorps*VISTA is responsible for leveraging in-kind resources to support the needs of newly-arrived refugees, survivors of human trafficking, vulnerable families and immigrants.  This position leverages local resources to build the capacity of the families working alongside the IRC. This position provides an opportunity to develop/strengthen skills in the area of donation management, public speaking and community organizing.  The individual will work closely with the Development Specialist on outreach and reporting activities, but will work independently in the area of donation management.  This individual reports to the Development Manager

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage in-kind donation inventory, case note all donations that are distributed and prepare monthly reports for finance.
• Track all in-kind donations for IRC’s inventory tracking system and case note all donors in IRC’s donor management system, Salesforce.
• Prepare all donor correspondence including thank you notes in a timely manner.

• Present to faith-based groups, civics groups, university classes and other community groups interested in learning about and working with IRC clients

• Identify potential donors of household goods and other in-kind goods that will assist clients in achieving self-sufficiency

• Work with staff to identify in-kind donations that are most necessary for IRC clients.

• Create and manage asset map of resources within community to provide seasonally appropriate clothing and household goods for IRC clients to be given to the after their arrival.

• Oversee IRC volunteers who will organize and manage IRC’s “Resettlement Shop.”

• Oversee IRC volunteer’s appointments with IRC clients.

• Other duties as described.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal skills, the ability to communicate with a diverse group of individuals.
• Excellent communication skills, with fluency in written and spoken English. 
• Strong presentation skills.
• Previous experience with donation management strongly desired.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Highly creative in identify potential donors.

BACKGROUND:

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict.  The IRC in Wichita resettles approximately 300 newly-arrived refugees per year and provides numerous program services to assist the refugee from their arrival through citizenship.  The Kansas Refugee Economic Empowerment project aligns with the Economic Opportunity focus area of the AmeriCorps VISTA program.

 

SCOPE OF WORK: The IRC in Wichita seeks volunteers to work with resettlement staff to assist refugees during their first 90 days in the United States. The Resettlement team arranges housing and provides assistance in applying for public benefits and services, orientation to the community, and other services as needed.

 

Time Commitment:  Flexible, but at least 2 hours/week

 

Responsibilities:  

Assist casework staff with reception services to clients, including setting up apartments for new arrivals; assisting clients with an application for Social Security and state ID cards; teaching clients how to cash checks and use public transportation; accompanying clients to medical appointments, grocery shopping, and school enrollment. Help clients prepare and understand forms and paperwork. Assist staff with sorting and filing of documents and case files. Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy.  Display sensitivity to cultural and personality differences of refugee clients.  Respect their beliefs and values.  Perform reception duties such as greeting visitors to the office and connecting them to appropriate staff. Other related duties as assigned, including answering and directing incoming phone calls.

 

Learning Objectives:

 

Volunteer will learn about refugee resettlement and refugee social services Volunteer will develop problem-solving and client services skills Volunteer will learn how to manage client cases within established deadlines

 

Requirements:

 

Strong desire to help refugees rebuild their lives in Wichita. Excellent attention to detail and effective communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment. Patience, understanding, flexibility, and an unceasingly positive attitude. Willing to learn about IRC history, philosophy, global work, and local efforts. Willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies. Able to transport clients locally by public transportation. Transporting clients by car is a plus. Languages desired but not required: French, Spanish, Arabic, Dari/Farsi, Pashto, Kiswahili or Kinyarwanda.

 

 

Background

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. In addition, the IRC in Kansas provides community outreach, education and training, and case management services to victims of human trafficking and other at-risk individuals and families are served through employment services, job readiness training, adult education and immigration services.

 

Internship Summary

This internship is located within the Resource Development Department, whose purpose is to establish strong, mutually-beneficial connections between the community and the IRC in Kansas in order to garner monetary, in-kind and volunteer resources for IRC clients. The Donations Intern will work closely with the Development Specialist towards these goals in order to enhance the IRC in Kansas’ ability to meet IRC client needs. This position reports to the Development Manager.

 

Activities

Assist with tracking in-kind donations for IRC’s inventory tracking system. Work with staff to identify in-kind donations that are most necessary for IRC clients. Coordinate the acceptance of in-kind donations and complete required documentation. Organize and maintain IRC’s “Resettlement Shop.” Identify potential donors of household goods and other in-kind goods that will assist clients in achieving self-sufficiency. Attend and actively participate in staff meetings and special staff development programs.

 

Time Commitment

For the sake of stability and continuity, the IRC asks for a minimum commitment of 6 months, with at least 15 hours per week.

 

Training

In-depth training will be provided for interns regarding programming and the various needs of clients accessing services. A high-level of confidentiality is required when working with IRC clients.

 

Skills & Qualifications

Must be enrolled in an internship program through a higher education institution Effective communication and writing skills with a strong attention to detail Creativity and initiative to follow through on projects A strong desire to help people and enthusiasm to work in a multi-cultural setting Prior experience in a non-profit setting a plus Prior relevant coursework preferred

 

IRC leading the way from harm to home.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.

BACKGROUND:

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. The IRC in Wichita resettles approximately 300 newly-arrived refugees per year and provides numerous program services to assist the refugee from their arrival through citizenship.

Time Commitment:

This volunteer position is an on-call opportunity. Housing set-ups typically take place Monday-Friday during normal business hours. A typical housing set-up takes approximately 2-4 hours.

Responsibilities:

The volunteer will assist the case manager to prepare and furnish apartments for new refugee families. This could include;

Traveling with IRC staff to pick up and drop off furniture, supplies, and food to the new home. It could also include setting up inside the apartment to unpack, assemble and arrange items to create a welcoming home (IKEA bed frames, for example). Washing and putting dishes away Setting up other household items so they are ready to go upon client arrival

Skills & Qualifications:

Volunteers must be able and willing to lift and carry up to 75 pounds; must be culturally sensitive and respectful of diverse backgrounds; able to collaborate with others and work well as part of a team; able to work independently in a fast-paced environment; able to handle client information confidentially.

SCOPE OF WORK:

The IRC Wichita Family Mentor Project focuses on building the relationship with newly arrived refugee youth and their family and navigating them to adapt the Wichita public school system and to resources for academic progress and social emotional well-being. The role also expected to collaborate with IRC staff to provide support and care to refugee family members as they adjust their new lives in the U.S. Through the project, mentors receive several trainings, attend scheduled meetings with IRC staff, and have a unique experience to introduce refugee families the Greater Wichita.

               

ESSENTIAL ROLES:

Assist refugee families in becoming familiar with the Wichita public school system; Assist new students and families in enrolling school and preparing for attending school. Support family members to learn and understand the school system and how to communicate with school and teachers. Meet students and their parents/guardians at least once a week to talk about their days at school and/or here and support their continued education. Build the relationship with refugee new families to introduce Wichita community; Ride transportation systems (Wichita Transit) together and improve new families’ mobility in Wichita Introduce recreational areas, libraries and local resources, and community events. Practicing English Language skills and development; Give new students and families Digital Literacy lesson to how to attend IRC English class Provide additional resources and materials to improve their communication skills in English Other related activities as needed and desired.

 

REQUIREMENTS:

Agree to commitment to visiting the family at least once a week for a total period of two hours, for at least five to six months Agree to attend required meetings and trainings Be reliable and dedicated. Willingness to exhibit patience and flexibility. Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Willingness to learn about the IRC mission, policies, and local efforts. Ability to work through interpreters (provided by the IRC), as needed. 

Family mentors are paired with a newly arriving or recently arrived refugee individual or family. Mentors are empowered to involve clients in their lives as much as desired, with the knowledge that participation in any variety of activities will assist refugee families in their adaptation to life in the United States.

Collaborate with the IRC caseworker pre-arrival: planning, household setup and airport pickup for new arrivals; Assist with practical needs such as transportation to appointments or accessing services; Spend time with clients, building relationships of openness and trust; Teach new skills or life skills useful in the U.S. (many or our customs, daily tasks and laws are new and different).

Skills/Qualifications

All skill levels encouraged to apply. Many activities require a safe vehicle and valid driver's license.

Time Commitment

IRC requests a minimum commitment of 4-6 months of volunteering, 1-2 hours/week on your own schedule.