We are in need of volunteers to mentor newly arrived refugee families, tutor refugees/asylees in English and to assist case managers and program staff. All positions are flexible and highly rewarding! If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up for one of our monthly orientations:
- Thursday, October 9 from 5:30pm-6:30pm at the Baltimore Resettlement Center, 3516 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224
- Thursday, November 13 from 5:30pm-6:30pm at the Baltimore Resettlement Center, 3516 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224
Please RSVP for the orientation by e-mailing jessica.li@theIRC.org. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact Jessica Li, Community Outreach Coordinator at jessica.li@theIRC.org.
Volunteer Opportunities
1. Resettlement Shop Volunteer
The Resettlement Shop serves as a resource for clients' material needs. Volunteers will assist clients in obtaining the goods they need, organizing items in the shop and recording items taken by clients. We are looking for volunteers that can commit to helping out a few hours per week, during Shop hours (Tues, Wed and Thurs 11am-2pm).
2. Volunteer Acculturation Family Mentor
Family Mentors provide support to refugee families by ensuring their basic survival skills. This position will assist with practical needs and make referrals to appropriate community resources. Family Mentors provide friendly encouragement as refugees become familiar with American and local customs. Opportunities to volunteer as an Acculturation Family Mentor are always available.
3. Volunteer English as a Second Language (ESL) Tutor
The Volunteer ESL Tutor will assist refugees in learning English. ESL tutors work one-on-one with clients to improve their English skills. Assignment depends upon volunteer preference and availability as well as IRC needs.
4. Volunteer Resettlement Services Support Volunteer
The Resettlement Services Support Volunteer works closely with IRC staff on projects and other duties, as assigned. Projects and assignments may include updating information on the database, working on the IRC Baltimore newsletter, assisting the IRC Case Management Team with clients, helping staff the Resettlement Shop and setting up appointments at medical clinics for clients.
5. Community Health Volunteer
The Community Health Volunteer assists refugees/asylees with getting access to health services and resources. Community Health Volunteers also work closely with the Public Health Advocate on health programs and research.
Internship Opportunities
There are also openings for IRC interns to work on such issues as housing, case management and employment. All provide an excellent set of skills and knowledge for those interested in international issues, immigration, refugee and asylee rights, public policy, architecture, social work and more. At this time, all positions are unpaid, but we can provide documentation of volunteer or internship hours for course credit. We are currently accepting applications for Case Management, Public Health and Outreach Internships. Case Management Interns assist refugees/asylees with MTA orientation, obtaining Maryland State IDs, enrolling refugee children in school and accompaying refugees to doctor's appointments. The Public Health Intern and the Outreach Intern will work closely with program staff on research, advocacy and outreach for refugees.
To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to Jessica Li, Community Outreach Coordinator at jessica.li@theIRC.org. Please indicate which position you are applying for in your cover letter. Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview. Please note that there are often more applicants for internship positions than there are positions. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept all qualified applicants. Preference will be given to applicants whose skills and experience match IRC's current intern needs and demonstrate passion and dedication to IRC's mission.
