AmeriCorps CCMA Community Engagement VISTA

Job Description

Background

The International Rescue Committee, Inc. (IRC) helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to people forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 25 U.S cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to rebuild their lives. The IRC in Baltimore was established in 1999 and currently serves over 1,000 immigrants and refugees per year.

The IRC is proud to partner with Campus Compact of the Mid-Atlantic (CCMA), AmeriCorps VISTA in posting this requisition. CCMA is a coalition of more than 1,100 college and university presidents who are committed to fulfilling the public purposes of higher education. AmeriCorps VISTA helps individuals and communities implement grassroots solutions designed to alleviate poverty. Founded as Volunteers to Service in America in 1965, the program places individuals at nonprofit organizations and public agencies that are fighting literacy, improving health services, reducing unemployment, increasing housing opportunities, reducing recidivism, and expanding access to technology for those living in rural and urban areas of poverty across America.

S****cope of Work

This VISTA position will build capacity of the IRC’s Community Engagement program, which contribute to the economic opportunity and self-sufficiency of refugees, asylees and other humanitarian immigrants in in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. This VISTA position will work closely with IRC’s Community Engagement program to assist community members to engage with IRC’s Refugee Welcome Home Project, Family Mentor program, internship program and other meaningful opportunities to support IRC’s work.

Reports to

Volunteer Coordinator

Responsibilities

· Work with the Volunteer Coordinator to secure necessary in-kind donations. Communicate with staff to determine client needs and communicate those needs with the community. Coordinate distribution of in-kind donations to IRC clients.

· Conduct community outreach and engagement to establish 1-2 community partnerships. This entails responding to email and phone call inquiries, identifying or responding to community speaking engagements, working with individuals or groups to plan and execute donation drives.

· Work with the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure the IRC maintains an active, effective, professionally managed intern and volunteer program.

· Fulfill administrative duties for volunteer programs. Coordinate with colleague(s) to ensure volunteer processing and documentation is tracked including background checks.

· Update and develop resources to manage volunteer, intern and family mentor lifecycle.

· Assist in preparing a monthly newsletter to inform the community of the IRC’s work, client stories and needs.

Update

Qualifications

· Ability to work independently and as a team member in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment.

· Strong problem-solving skills and reliable follow-through, with outstanding attention to detail.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

· Excellent computer skills, particularly using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and web-based applications (databases, Box).

· Fluency in English required. Bilingual ability in one of the predominant languages of the local client base is desired (particularly Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, Dari, Spanish, Swahili, Tigrinya, Urdu)

· Prior experience conducting participant research, particularly using surveys or focus groups, preferred.

· Prior experience and interest working with refugees and immigrants preferred.

· Prior experience and interest in community engagement or related services preferred.

· Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.

TO APPLY:

You do not need to apply via this posting. Applicants must complete an application on the CCMA AmeriCorps VISTA eGrants platform found here: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=101818. The Position is titled "CCMA Refugee Community Engagement Project - Baltimore****".

The deadline to apply is May 14, 2022.

This position is for July 5, 2022 - July 3, 2023.

IRC Baltimore is operating remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the situation will be reevaluated as things evolve.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement****: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires candidates who are selected for interview to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for this position.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity****: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

Equal Opportunity Employer****: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

Please contact us to request accommodation.