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.
