Digital Inclusion as Empowerment for Refugees & Asylees AmeriCorps VISTA

The mission of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933, the IRC has a presence in over 40 countries and 27 offices in the United States; the IRC leads the way from harm to home. AmeriCorps VISTA is a national program where community members have the opportunity to serve in local nonprofits for one year helping eliminate poverty. In return for service, members receive a living allowance, health insurance and other benefits. These benefits are outlined in the corresponding section below.

Job Overview:

The VISTA position will serve within the International Rescue Committee Salt Lake education department. The Digital Inclusion VISTA will research potential community partnerships to increase refugee access to low-to-no cost hardware, software and internet. Through volunteer-led tutoring, integrating digital skill training into existing IRC in SLC refugee programming, this VISTA member will increase our capacity to provide digital education and support to IRC in SLC’s refugee and asylee clients. This member is integral to extending the reach of technology services at the IRC and integrating them into existing programs.

Major Responsibilities:

Specific duties include but are not limited to:

·Research potential partnerships with organizations and corporations to gain access to low-to-no cost technology resources for refugees and asylees.

·Develop volunteer-led opportunities to integrate client relevant digital inclusion resources into existing ESL and economic wellbeing programs.

·Research and support the grant writing process to expand the IRC in SLC’s Digital Inclusion program.

·Create content to recognize partnerships through social media and newsletter posts.

·Create ways to support refugees by increasing their skill-set, therefore, increasing their access to more stable employment and English language acquisition.

AmeriCorps VISTA Benefits:

·Living Allowance ($990 per month, pre-taxes).

·At the end of year of service, the VISTA can choose an Education Award ($5,730) or End of Service Cash Stipend ($1,500).

·Relocation Allowance.

·Childcare assistance if eligible.

Required skills, knowledge and abilities:

·Full-time service for one year.

·Cannot be a full-time student. 

·Some college experience.

·At least 18 years of age.

·US Citizen or permanent resident.

·Experience with diverse and vulnerable populations preferred.

·Ability to communicate effectively with people of different linguistic backgrounds.

·Highly organized with excellent time and space management skills.

·Proficient in MS Excel and Word; database experience very helpful.

·Patience, flexibility and a good sense of humor.

·Fluency in written and spoken English, bilingual ability preferred in any refugee language.

·Professional, friendly, and courteous attitude a must.

·Ability to drive a vehicle; must have proof of insurance and good driving record.

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, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Please apply at http://www.rescue.org/careers