Volunteer

Volunteering with AARRC!

Volunteering with AARRC can be a one time event or a long-standing commitment. Each volunteer chooses their own level of involvement and responsibility. But whether you are with us for a day or years, everyone learns something during their time!

All volunteers, interns, and staff attend a training early on in their time with AARRC . That training gives you a brief overview of Refugee life and our organization along with what programs currently are in need of volunteers. Our Refugee 101 and is held each month. To attend our next training please register on our calendar or contact us for more information.

At our training, you will have an opportunity to learn about AARRC ‘s programs and mission as well as the refugee experience. Please bring a filled out volunteer application to training.

Volunteering in Groups!

AARRC programs love to have groups come help! We can get so much done with the extra hands and our refugee friends love to be a part of all the excitement. Groups are welcome to help with many of our projects throughout the year.

Groups are welcome on to be a part of our redistribution days, workshops, and inventory or organization. In order for your group to make the most out of your time with us, please contact us with a range of dates that work for you, the number and ages of your students, and your group’s interest. We are more than happy to accommodate most dates, interests, and group sizes with at least a month notice. We would also love to share with your group about our organization and tie our work in with any of your service learning objectives!

If you are interested in volunteering as a group, please click here to download the Initial Questionnaire for Group Volunteering. Send this completed form to srichter@iaspf.org and we will start planning!

Volunteering as an Alternative Break Group!

Are you looking to travel with your school, faith or service organization and want more purpose to your journey? Explore refugee resettlement and the desert with AARRC. We can help coordinate your trip, informational sessions with refugees, service projects, and even recommend local sites! Don’t miss out on this unique experience!

Please read through our Alternative Break Orientation Packet for more information!

Currently Open Volunteer Opportunities:

Training Instructor- Job Class / Citizenship / Other:

Volunteers work closely with staff to provide services and facilitate classes that reinforce client self-sufficiency,  job readiness and community integration.  Various classes and activities occur throughout the work week, including: Vocational English, Civics, Public transportation, Bicycle safety, Sign language, Financial education, Job Search, and Yoga.

Requirements: Comfortable in an English-learner classroom setting. Patience, creativity, teamwork, flexibility, and laughter. Proficiency in related skills.

Minimum Commitment: 2-4 hours/ week for 4 months.

Administrative Support:

Volunteers assist in managing the front desk/reception area by greeting clients and refering them to appropriate staff within the organization.   Volunteers may also assist with distributing and tracking in-kind donations.

Requirements: Strong cross-cultural communication skills, keen attention to detail, ability to multi-task. Enjoys meeting new people.

Minimum Commitment: 3-4 hour/ week for 4 months during business hours (M-F; 8:30-5pm)

 

Resource Development:

Volunteers join Resource Development staff to bring community resources into the organization and then distribute them to clients in an organized fashion. Activities may include: planning donation drives or fundraising events; arranging refugee guest speakers; mobilizing volunteer resources; or managing IRC donation closet. Common donation needs are diapers, hygiene items, bikes, and small household items.

Requirements: Possess excellent interpersonal skills and be innovative thinkers.

Minimum Commitment: Flexible based on event schedule.

Business trainers and coaches:

Business trainers and coaches must demonstrate strong business acumen, as well as an eagerness to empower others. Trainers and coaches impart essential business knowledge and skills to immigrant entrepreneurs. Ideal candidates have experience with start-ups and growing existing businesses. Training and coaching also requires the ability to relate linguistically and culturally with non-native English speakers. Training and coaching candidates must have relevant credentials and are screened for suitability.

Business facilitator:

Business facilitators are recruited from immigrant communities to play a supportive role to other business owners in their community. These are individuals that do not have experience as a business coach, but can demonstrate their experience operating a business, or have the training and education that equips them with an understanding of regular business practices. The program will train these individuals on existing resources and tools, and on how to deliver business support to entrepreneurs. The vision behind engaging facilitators is to empower immigrant communities with indigenous talent that can support the business community in the long-term.

Mentors:

Mentors are seasoned entrepreneurs who know what it takes to succeed in business. ACCESS Growth Center mentors have overcome the pitfalls of business and relish sharing the secrets of their success. The ideal mentor has enjoyed the journey of starting and growing a business and wants to champion the successful development of an immigrant entrepreneur. ACCESS Growth Center strategically links immigrant entrepreneurs with mentors who share common cultures and business interests.

ESL Teachers:

Because of the time necessary in forming relationships and starting a class or project, we ask that all volunteers be willing to commit to at least six months.

Current Open Intern Opportunities: 

Workforce Development Opportunities:

TITLE: Workforce Development Intern
LOCATION: AARRC
DURATION: Semester

Scope: Within the first few weeks of arrival, staff identify a refugees’ specific needs and abilities, and collaborate with them to create plans for self-sufficiency and offer support, guidance and counseling through all stages of resettlement. These plans include budgeting, setting goals, and plugging into various programs, classes and services.

Workforce Development is an essential component for refugee clients to achieve success in the resettlement process.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist with Workforce Development, Financial Education, and specialized training course scheduling, logistics, recordkeeping, reporting, and data entry/analysis.
  • Schedule interpreters and language aids in support of training course needs.
  •  Maintain Workforce Development Training Calendar.
  • Assist with instruction of Workforce Development, Financial Education, and specialized training courses.
  • Assist with the development and revision of Workforce Development, Financial Education, and specialized training curricula.
  • Participate in marketing of Workforce Development, Financial Education, and specialized training courses.
  • Provide specialized instruction for individual clients.

Responsibilities:

  • Must be organized, detail-oriented, and a self-starter;
  • Must possess cultural sensitivity and excellent cross-cultural communication skills;
  • Should have a strong desire to help people and work in a diverse team;
  • Must be patient, flexible, and creative;
  • Education or experience in Human Resources Development, Adult Education, or Instructional Design preferred;
  • Multi-lingual abilities preferred.

English Language Training (ELT) Intern:

TITLE:  English Language Training Intern
LOCATION: AARRC
DURATION: 3 Months (min.)

Scope: The English Language Training Intern will offer their expertise and organizational skills to provide educational opportunitiesThrough assisting with ELT Course and individualized instruction, the ELT Intern will assist the client in improving their communication skills utilizing the English language.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assist the Adult Education Program Coordinator and ELT Instructor with the development and maintenance of the English Language Training curriculum.
  • Assist with the instruction of the ELT Courses on a daily basis.
  • Assist with the coordination of volunteers assigned to the ELT Program.
  • Assist clients with individualized instruction to learn the English Language.
  • Assist with the scheduling, organization, and documentation of the ELT Program.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be organized, detail oriented, and a self-starter.
  • Must possess cultural sensitivity and excellent cross-cultural communication skills.
  • Must have a strong desire to help people and work within a highly diverse team.
  • Should be patient, flexible, and creative.
  • Must possess basic instructional skills to deliver English Language Training.
  • Prefer familiarity with modern ESL curricula and instructional techniques.

Intensive Case Management Intern:

Title: Intensive Case Management (ICM) Intern
Location: AARRC
Duration: Minimum of 3 months

Scope of Work: The Intensive Case Management Specialist will work within a client centered team that provides ongoing health and medical assistance to refugee clients as part of holistic case management.  The ICM Specialist will assist in the coordinating of medical appointments for clients as well as working to ensure data entry regarding health appointments is completed in a timely manner.  The ICM Specialist will also research potential community resources and provide referrals to new and existing partners within the community.  The intern will also be tasked with helping the ICM caseworker enroll clients and track their progress.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Coordinate medical appointments for refugee clients, including health screenings, specialist appointments, and other medical follow up visits;
  • Input health and medical data in a timely and accurate manner using IRC databases as well as provide other program support;
  • Maintain confidential health information and materials relevant to refugee populations with severe medical, mental and social needs;
  • Enroll, track and report on clients in the Intensive Case Management program;
  • Research community resources and reach out to new potential service providers;
  • Other relevant duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Experience in the public health sector working with vulnerable populations preferred;
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with partners, colleagues, and clients in a cross-cultural, team based environment;
  • A demonstrated understanding of the Arizona healthcare insurance system;
  • Excellent computer skills, including competency with MS Office Suite;
  • Commitment to client confidentiality;
  • A positive attitude and a desire to learn;
  • A degree in public health or social work is preferred, but not required.

Housing Specialist Intern:

Title: Housing Specialist Intern
Location: AARRC
Duration: Minimum of 3 months

Scope:  The AARRC provide direct assistance with housing, (some) furnishings, food and clothing; assist in acquiring social security numbers, help families register in school and ensure that families have a medical screening and visit a doctor.
RESPONSIBILITIES:  Within client-centered teams, the Housing Specialist Intern will assist the Case Worker Specialists with the following:

  • Conduct apartment visits
  • Complete subsidized housing applications;
  • Facilitate client meetings to discuss housing options;
  • Assisting in lease signing meetings;
  • Research new housing options for refugees, and identify special needs housing resources;
  • Assist with scheduling, logistics, recordkeeping, reporting, and data entry and analysis;
  • Attend specialized/relevant trainings and participate in team planning meetings;
  • Other relevant duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be currently obtaining a degree or recently graduated from a relevant field of study;
  • Ability to take initiative and effectively manage time;
  • Detail-oriented and well organized;
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 35 lbs;
  • Possess cultural-sensitivity, patience, strong desire to help people and an enthusiasm for working in a multi-cultural setting.

Health Specialist Intern:

TITLE: Health Specialist Intern
LOCATION: AARRC
DURATION: Minimum of 3 months

Scope: The Health Specialist team provides ongoing health and medical assistance to refugees as part of case management.  The Health Specialist Intern will assist in the logistics of medical appointments for clients as well as working to ensure data entry regarding health appointments is completed in a timely manner.  The Health Specialist Intern will also assist in the maintenance and availability of health information relevant to refugees.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Coordinate medical appointments for clients, including initial health screenings, dental or eye appointments, and other medical follow up visits;
  • Input health and medical data in a timely and accurate manner using IASPF databases as well as provide other program support;
  • Assist Health Specialist team in the transportation of clients to medical appointments or health screenings;
  • Maintain health information and materials relevant to refugee populations;
  • Other relevant duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Experience in the public health sector working with vulnerable populations preferred;
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with partners, colleagues, and clients in a cross-cultural, team based environment;
  • Excellent computer skills, including familiarity with MS Office Suite;
  • Commitment to client confidentiality;
  • Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area;
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to client confidentiality.

Employment Specialist Intern:

Title: Employment Specialist Intern
Location: AARRC
Duration: Minimum 3 month commitment

Scope: Staff and volunteers collaborate with newly arrived refugees to create plans for self-sufficiency and offer support, guidance and counseling though all stages of resettlement. These plans include budgeting, setting goals, and plugging into various programs, classes and services.

Gaining employment and becoming self-sufficient is one of the most crucial components of refugee resettlement in the United States.  Preparing clients to seek, gain and retain employment is the task of the IASPF staff.

The Employment Specialist Intern will report to the Employment Team Supervisor and will work closely with four Employment Specialists.
Responsibilities:

  • Assist Employment Specialists to prepare for client intakes by preparing intake packets.
  • Provide logistics for transportation of clients to and from IRC.
  • Create and maintain client calendar of scheduled events and notify clients of upcoming classes.
  • Create resumes using intakes and provide resumes to clients during Job-Readiness Training.
  • Provide career-assessment screening on computer and work with clients on computer-literacy.
  • Coach clients on filling out forms and practice writing name, address, etc.
  • Assist with paper and online job applications and accompany refugees to job interviews.
  • Help navigate bus routes, bike routes etc. and assist clients with transportation barriers.
  • Provide insight into specific cases in weekly team meeting.

Requirements:

  • Must be organized, detail-oriented, and a self-starter;
  • Must possess cultural sensitivity and excellent cross-cultural communication skills;
  • Should have a strong desire to help people and work in a diverse team;
  • Must be patient, flexible, and creative;
  • Multi-lingual abilities preferred.

Development Intern:

Title: Development Intern
Location: AARRC
Duration: Minimum 3 month commitment required

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The Resource Development Department works to increase the human, financial and technological resources available to The AARRC to support refugees in Phoenix, and promotes community outreach and advocacy activities to increase awareness of refugee issues and of The AARRC  services. The Resource Development Intern will assist the Resource Development Manager and Development team in the following areas:

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Donor communications plan: Work with Development Manager to develop a donor communications plan and calendar.
  • Grants: Research funding opportunities and work in conjunction with Development and other Program Managers contribute to grant writing efforts.
  • Events: Work with Development Manager to coordinate two events, a yearly community appreciation event and one fundraising event.
  • Assist in Resource Development activities and events;
  • Other relevant duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are essential;
  • Prior experience in a non-profit setting specifically in Development beneficial;
  • Prior experience coordinating events beneficial;
  • Ability to take initiative and work independently;
  • Must be comfortable working in a cross-cultural environment;
  • Masters level applicants preferred;
  • Flexibility and ability to juggle multiple tasks successfully.

Communications Intern:

Title: Communications Intern
Location: AARRC
Duration: Minimum 3 month commitment required

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: The Resource Development Department works to increase the human, financial and technological resources available to the AARRC to support refugees in Phoenix, and promotes community outreach and advocacy activities to increase awareness of refugee issues and of The AARRC services. The Communications Intern will assist the Resource Development Manager in coordinating social media, outreach and media efforts as well as participate in events.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Work with Development Manager to coordinate media (newspaper, television, radio) including vetting media requests and working with staff and clients to develop stories.
  • Assist with social media and outreach efforts including Facebook.
  • Create a Story Bank to generate content for monthly E-Newsletter and other communications.
  • Assist the Resource Development Department in researching grant deadlines and guidelines from local foundations as time permits;
  • Assist in Resource Development activities and events;
  • Other relevant duties as assigned.

 QUALIFICATIONS

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are essential;
  • Prior experience in a non-profit setting and with refugees beneficial, but not required;
  • Strong computer skills, particularly experience in social media;
  • Ability to take initiative and work independently;
  • Must be comfortable working in a cross-cultural environment.

Volunteer Operations Intern:

Title: Volunteer Operations Intern
Location: AARRC
Duration: Minimum 3 month commitment required

Scope: Under the supervision of the Volunteer Outreach Coordinator, the Volunteer Operations Intern will help in overseeing the screening, placement and tracking of The IASPF’s volunteers. The Intern will further establish best practices to strengthen volunteer programs and capture volunteer contributions, while implementing strategies to support program expansion.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Volunteer Outreach Coordinator, the intern will assist with the following:

  • Monitor productivity and satisfaction of active agency volunteers;
  • Respond to volunteer queries in a timely manner;
  • Maintain development and outreach materials in line with branding guidelines;
  • Assist in the screening and tracking of volunteer applicants;
  • Monitor volunteer’s progress and ensure activities meet program goals;
  • Track key data points which reveal program health and success;
  • Participate in the planning and implementation of relevant outreach and events as time permits;
  • Complete other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

  • Must be organized, detail-oriented, and a self-starter;
  • Must possess cultural sensitivity and excellent cross-cultural communication skills;
  • Must be patient, flexible, and creative;
  • Strong computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office;
  • Preference given to experience with CRM, databases and web development (Salesforce, PIDI and Drupal);
  • Must be committed for a minimum of 3 months, with clear learning objectives;
  • Some nights and weekend hours for outreach and special events.

Community Integration Program Intern:

Title: Community Integration Program Intern
Location: AARRC
Duration: 3 month minimum

SCOPE OF WORK: This position reports directly to the Community Integration Manager to assist with projects related to Immigration, Interpreter Services, and Anti-Human Trafficking.

RESPONSIBILITIES: This internship will focus on marketing & public presence of Immigration and Interpreter Services through web development and social media, and coordinate with IASPF development team to create program highlights through social media.

REQUIREMENTS: This internship requires a proven history of research and organization skills. The candidate should also have the skills to navigate social media applications and provide a streamlined outreach strategy for internet presence. The internship has a liaison component to ensure all activities and events can be supported by various programs.

The requirements should include:

  • Completing a degree program focusing on non-profit management or business/marketing
  • Definable experience coordinating groups toward a common goal
  • Knowledge of social media and internet marketing to enhance program visibility
  • Ability to use MS Office products, android/apple media apps, and web development
  • Experience in donor/customer relations. Plus a strong background in documented written and verbal skills.
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