Orientation Trainer/Public Transportation
LOCATION
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Fingerprint/background clearance is required.Please use the link to access information on the IRC volunteer/intern hiring process:
http://www.rescue.org/us-program/us-phoenix-az/how-become-volunteer-or-intern
SCHEDULE OPTIONS
Semester availability
FallSpring
Summer
Service hours
MorningAvailable days/hours
Thursday and/or Friday 8am-11am.
REQUIRED/DESIRED SKILLS
• Have reliable transportation to get to and from various housing complexes throughout the Phoenix area.
• Be comfortable communicating effectively with a diverse group of individuals from all different types of backgrounds.
• Be okay with riding public transportation to various Phoenix destinations; apartment complexes, IRC office, grocery stores, libraries, public assistance offices.
• Have a desire to help refugees integrate into the Phoenix area.
CATEGORIES
AdultsEducation
Refugees
Social Services
COMMUNITY PARTNER
International Rescue Committee
ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP
Duties
Public transit volunteers provide training on accessing and using Valley Metro public transportation in Phoenix to newly arrived refugees as part of Cultural Orientation classes. Volunteers provide weekly public transportation trainings using existing curriculum and materials with small groups and individuals. Public transit trainings start at the apartment complex where the refugees live, continue to the IRC office, and then return to the client’s home. There is a mandatory training to prepare volunteers with the tools and information needed to be comfortable performing this job independently.
Population served
Since opening in 1994, the International Rescue Committee in Phoenix has helped resettle over 12,000 refugees from countries such as Iraq, Iran, Bhutan, Burma, Somalia, Congo, Sudan, and Eretria. The Phoenix office is the largest resettlement program in the state of Arizona and offers a holistic approach to resettlement through the provision of diverse programming. Staff members represent more than 26 countries of origin and more than 40 different language capacities. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities IRC works to restore safety, dignity, and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.
Community need/impact
With the city of Phoenix being so large and public transportation options being limited it is important for refugees to learn how to navigate public transit. Learning what their community and surrounding area has to offer is helpful for shopping, finding employment, and enrolling children in school. This opportunity allows you to have a positive impact in someone getting to know their new home.
This position is important in fulfilling the IRC mission of helping newly arrived refugees transition to self-sufficiency in their new home. This direct service opportunity will help IRC clients learn how to navigate public transit effectively, see their communities, improve their English language, and integrate into the neighborhood.
