IRC 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. One aspect of the IRC is to provide assistance to refugees resettling in the United States. The IRC opened an office in Phoenix, Arizona in 1994 to provide reception and placement services to newly arrived refugees. The office resettles refugees and provides numerous program services to assist refugees from their arrival through citizenship.
Job Summary:
The primary role of the Asylum Seekers and Families (ASF) Volunteer Specialist is to provide administrative support, volunteer coordination and front desk support for the Welcome Center for Asylum Seekers & Families in Phoenix. In addition this position will provide direct services to ASF clients.
Major Responsibilities:
●Serve as one of the first points of contact for volunteers interested in supporting the Welcome Center
●In conjunction with the Volunteer Coordinator, conduct and/or arrange for volunteer orientation and training and ensure volunteers are staffed to support the various areas of operations at the Welcome Center, including various client services, donation distribution, transportation, etc.
●Assist with the development and management of volunteer policies, procedures, and standards
●Assist in evaluating all aspects of volunteer program at the Welcome Center to ensure effectiveness; recommend/implement changes as appropriate; maintain accurate records and provide timely statistical and activity reports on volunteer participation.
●Assist in developing, promoting, and maintaining a wide range of volunteer opportunities at the Welcome Center.
●Oversee accountability for all incoming and outgoing supplies, packages, and donations through well maintained and detailed documentation; maintain office supplies with weekly inventory and submit supply replenishment requisitions to the ASF Supervisor as needed.
●Support the ASF Supervisor with donation-in-kind communication, and follow-up with donors.
Approximately 50% of paid hours will be supporting direct client services, including but not limited to:
●Maintain a clean, safe, secure, and stable shelter for asylum-seeking families; provide meals, bedding, clothes and personal hygiene supplies as needed. Clean and organize shelter and maintain child-friendly spaces.
●Conduct participant intakes and assessments, coordinate travel arrangements, and complete referrals for participants in their destination locations.
●Provide individualized and group orientations and support clients through social service referrals, medical access and advocacy services by assessing and evaluating each client’s distinct needs.
●Coordinate and conduct ‘Know Your Rights’ and other informative orientations.
●Provide travel logistics including transportation of clients and in-kind donations to and from bus stations, airports, shelters and other drop off points.
●Assist clients in navigating airport travel arrangements, including how to read arrival and departure boards, how to read their tickets, escorting clients through TSA security to their departure gate and assisting with flight boarding as necessary.
●Assist clients in navigating bus terminal travel arrangements, including how to read their tickets, bus transfers, arrival and departures and assisting with boarding as necessary.
●Ensure compliance with case documentation, case file management and reporting requirements, adhering to strict confidentiality guidelines.
●Support statewide efforts to support the needs of asylum seekers as requested and needed.
●Oversee volunteers and interns, including providing appropriate onboarding, training, and supervision.
●Participate in all program meetings, staff development activities, and fully engages as a member of the team.
●Comply with all IRC policies, procedures and protocols including adherence to the IRC Way and Child Safeguarding.
●Other related duties as assigned.
Key Working Relationships:
Position Reports to: ASF Supervisor, ASF Coordinator
Indirect Reporting: Volunteer Coordinator
Other Internal and/or external contacts: Community partners, volunteer organizations
Internal: IRC ASF programs
External: TSA, ICE and partner organizations and community entities also involved in asylum seeker services.
