Refugee Youth Mentor

20+

Refugee Youth Mentor LOCATION: Various locations in the community START DATE: Ongoing TRAINING: end of September (date TBA) from 5-7pm at the IRC office (221 South 400 West) DURATION: one-day per week for a minimum of one-year; includes monthly field trips with other mentors/mentees SCOPE OF VOLUNTEER WORK: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is part of a unique partnership called Promise Refugee Youth (PRY). The partnership includes Granite school district (GSD), Asian Association of Utah (AAU), Catholic Community Services (CCS), United Way (UW) and Granite Park Junior High School (GPJH). Refugee youth have unique needs, due to the varying circumstances from which they come. For many refugee youth, they arrive in the United States with little to no formal education, education that has been interrupted or, for some, low levels of literacy. They also arrive with the overwhelming task of navigating a new culture and school environment. To help them adjust to their new lives in the United States, PRY is starting a pilot program at GPJH to serve newly arrived refugee 7th graders during the 2014-2015 school year. As part of this program, youth will be matched with mentors. Consistent, caring, culturally competent adult mentors will help refugee youth develop meaningful relationships, improve their academic outcomes, integrate into their new communities and gain positive values and identity. RESPONSIBILITIES: Meet weekly with your assigned refugee student at least 2 hours a week at a designated location for a minimum of 1 year. Build an authentic relationship with your mentee; get to know them personally Plan activities based on the needs and interests of your mentee Empower your mentee to access community resources Participate in monthly mentor field trips with your mentee and other mentor/mentees Model good behavior and reinforce positive behavior Abide by the program parameters and policies Complete weekly volunteer logs and monthly updates Notify the mentee and program coordinator in advance if you are expecting to be absent REQUIREMENTS: Commit to developing a long term, supportive relationship with a refugee student Individuals must be 20 years or older and must have a high school degree Attend mandatory volunteer mentor orientation and subsequent trainings. Attend a match meeting with refugee youth and their family. Previous experience with youth preferred; experience working with ELL students helpful Dependable and prompt Creative, flexible, outgoing, self-motivated and ability to work independently Strong desire to help refugee students achieve their potential Ability to communicate effectively in English; fluency in a refugee language helpful Background check required, including driving history report and clearance. APPLICATION PROCESS: Submit an application including interests, intent, education, experience and references Attend a face to face interview with the Youth Program Coordinator Clear a background check and driving clearance

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