Empower Volunteer Tutor (Unpaid)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

(Position is not eligible for US visa sponsorship)

SCOPE OF WORK: The International Rescue Committee (IRC), works in the United States welcomes newly arrived refugees and immigrants, supports them in their resettlement, and provides holistic services to help them build new lives in their communities. As an introduction to the position, this brief, but concise overview of the role should give the reader an understanding of the important components of the job and how it fits into the mission of the program and IRC.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The IRC in New Jersey seeks volunteer tutors to support English language learners among newcomer refugee youth who have been settled in New Jersey. Beginning with in-person training sessions in March, volunteer tutors will work with refugee youth individually within the home to improve English Language Acquisition/Learning. Tutors are academic coaches and positive role models who want to help IRC youth succeed in school. Tutors are not people who are expected to receive, give, or loan money.

Desired Qualities:
• Passionate about helping youth reach their potential
• Flexible, patient, and empathetic
• Critical thinking skills
• Committed, dependable, and punctual
• Creative; has a sense of fun
• An active listener
• Technologically competent (Ability to use Microsoft/Google Forms, virtual educational materials effectively, and google translate)
• Respectful in a global context around different languages and practices
• Comfortable and aware of support needs

Tutor Responsibilities:
• Provide one-on-one individualized in-home tutoring
• Work with assigned student for 90 minutes twice a week for 24 sessions, tutors will engage their assigned student in 30 minutes of ESL homework support/assistance as well as 30 minutes of ESL instruction (speaking, writing, and/or reading activities), with the remaining time allocated for breaks, rapport building and communication/coordination with caregivers
• Curates a welcoming environment that fosters community and learning among students
• Communicate regularly with the Youth Programs Coordinator, Instructional Design Specialist and caregivers regarding scheduling, student progress, tutor support, challenges, etc.
• Timely documentation and submission of the Tutor Log and Tutor Planner within 24 hours of the second tutoring session of the week
• Attend individual and group virtual Tutor Support Check-Ins once a month
• Comply with office policies and program procedures

REQUIREMENTS: Volunteers must be based in the U.S. Interns must be based in US, must be a US citizen or have US work authorization, must be enrolled in post-secondary institution or have graduated from a post-secondary institution within last 2 years.

Tutor Requirements:
• Attend 1 in-person orientation and training session at the IRC Elizabeth office (2.5 Hours)
• Attend 3 online training modules with IRC HQ (4+ hours)
• Complete and clear background check
• Proactively communicate with caregivers to schedule in-home tutor sessions
• Have reliable/punctual transportation to and from the assigned student’s home twice a week
• Interact with global populations effectively and respectfully

Additional Desired Competencies:
• Proven ability to build community within individualized sessions and cultivate students’ commitment to academic learning
• Thorough, detailed knowledge and understanding of English grammar with the ability to modify lesson plans to reflect student’s needs and interests (age, grade level, etc.)
• Ability to interact with global populations and empathize with people unfamiliar with local culture
• Ethical and professional conduct that facilitates the building of a respectful, trusting, and collaborative relationship with caregivers
• Multilingual abilities in Spanish, Arabic, Dari, Pashto

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

Cookies: https://careers.rescue.org/us/en/cookiesettings

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles. 

Equal Opportunity Employer: 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.