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Employment Program Volunteer

International Rescue Committee
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TITLE: Employment Program Volunteer

LOCATION: Positions in both Des Moines and Iowa City           

START DATE: Ongoing

DURATION: Minimum 1-month time commitment

SCHEDULE: Flexible, 2-6 hours a week Monday – Friday between 9-5 PM.

BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading, non-sectarian, non-profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict.  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.  

The Des Moines, IA office was opened in July of 2022, serving more than 200 refugees in its first year. Our operations expanded to Iowa City with our office opening in February 2024. The Health and Wellness Coordinator supports clients in navigating complex medical and benefits systems, and designs and connects clients to programs and resources that improve their quality of life.

Scope of Service 

The IRC in Des Moines seeks volunteers to work with our Matching Grant (employment) Case Manager to complete required aspects of the program, such as Employment Readiness classes, job applications, transportation to interviews, completing paperwork, and other activities that will help clients succeed in their new jobs. 

The Employment Volunteer works with the IRC Des Moines Employment team to assist eligible refugee clients in finding jobs and preparing them to enter the workforce by providing support services and completing clerical work such as data entry and case file organization. 

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

  • Complete required training on employment readiness content, either in person or virtually. Develop, expand, and prepare Job Readiness Training curriculum and materials.
  • Facilitate small to large-group instruction using the provided curriculum, which includes teaching clients how to find jobs, what the interview process is like how to succeed once they begin a job, and other information to help them succeed in the US workforce. Facilitate Job Readiness Training (JRT) events for new arrivals.
  • Provide follow-up for individuals needing more assistance after class. Help maintain JRT case note documentation and client follow-up as needed.
  • Help develop new resources, such as PowerPoint slides and handouts, to introduce newly arrived refugees to work life in the United States. Gather resources in the community designed to support IRC clients with employment and career goals.
  • Assist Case Manager in completing job applications with clients. Research potential employers and community partners as it relates to early employment. Work with Emp. Coordinator on Job Club concept and curriculum development.
  • Transport clients to job interviews and orientation
  • Assist case manager with completing and filing paperwork required by the program

Desired but not Required:

  • Can speak Swahili, Dari / Farsi, Pashto, French, or Spanish.
  • Driver's license and insured car

This is an unpaid volunteer position with an opportunity for reimbursement for using a personal vehicle.

How to apply 

Go to https://irc-global.my.salesforce-sites.com/volunteer and complete the application. If you need assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to iowa@rescue.org. Once your application is received, a staff member will contact you for a brief interview. You will then receive a link to complete a background check. Finally, you will be contacted to attend a required volunteer training. 

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.