Family Mentor Program Intern - Fall 2021

BACKGROUND 

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our 26 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.

SCOPE OF WORK

 The Family Mentor Program helps newly arrived refugees and asylees feel more comfortable in the United States by connecting them to mentors in the local community. Mentors help mentees practice English, socialize with others, and integrate into the community through weekly visits. The Family Mentor team provides support for mentors and mentees during their six month commitment and monitors the mentee’s improvement throughout the program.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Administer surveys to track mentee’s progress during the mentorship.
• Conduct intake interviews and create profiles used for matching mentors with mentees.
• Facilitate introductory meetings between mentors and mentees to discuss goals and objectives.
• Provide mentors resources on upcoming events and suggested activities, propose new ideas for mentor-mentee engagement.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Intern will acquire detailed knowledge of programs available for refugees and asylees during their resettlement period.
• Intern will learn to communicate effectively with clients across cultures.
• Intern will learn reporting requirements for resettlement agencies and how to capture data to improve services.