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.
SCOPE OF VOLUNTEER WORK:
The Community Group Interpreter is a volunteer position to support the IRC in NY's Health and Wellness group-based activities that include workshops and peer support groups. The Community Interpreter will facilitate clear communication between clients and staff to support refugees and other migrants to help build resilience, knowledge, and skills to support their emotional wellness. The ideal candidates will have prior experience in the field of interpretation (formally or informally). They must also be available for a 4-6-month period, twice a week. Due to the nature of the program, the Community Group Interpretation Volunteer may not need to volunteer for a set number of hours every week but should be available for a minimum of six hours per week
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide interpretation for clients and IRC staff for all Peer Support and Emotional Wellness sessions and/or workshops
- Perform written translations of supplemental documents for group sessions and/or workshops
- Be able to travel to Manhattan/Brooklyn one-to-two times a week starting in January until May
- Communicate effectively in-person
- Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy
- Participate in weekly pre/post session meetings with Group Facilitator and/or Health &Wellness Department Manager
REQUIREMENTS:
- The ideal candidates will have experience in interpretation
- Be available 4-6 months, twice a week
- Ability to fluently speak Spanish, Russian, French, Haitian-Creole
- Ideally have experience working with immigrants or refugees in social service settings
- Must have excellent verbal English language skills
- Must be willing to work varied hours Monday-Friday between 9 am and 6 pm
- Must be over 18 years of age
- Basic computer skills (Microsoft Access and Word, E-mail)
- Ability to pass a background check
- Adhere to professional standards of confidentiality and boundary-settingThis position reports to the Safety & Wellness Mental Health Coordinator
Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.