Digital Inclusion Virtual Reality Project Intern

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IRC - The International Rescue Committee

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Job Description

Please note: This is an unpaid internship position. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available.

In addition to completing this application, interested applicants should email a resume, cover letter, and two letters of recommendation to [email protected] with “DI VR Project Intern” in the subject line.

BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. In the U.S., the IRC resettles approximately 11,000 refugees per year and provides numerous program services to assist the refugee from their arrival through citizenship. The IRC in Salt Lake City opened it office in 1994, and provides resettlement services through extended case management to newly arrived refugees for up to 24-months as well as over twenty different programs to educate and empower refugees.

The Digital Inclusion Program operates within the IRC SLC’s Education Program and supports digital skill development for newly arrived refugees and New Americans. The program provides clients with access to technology and cultivates a set of fundamental tech skills to improve their lives and livelihoods. This includes providing initial smartphone and data plans, affordable home broadband internet access, ongoing tech support, youth digital skills workshops, and core resettlement services with integrated digital skills.

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK: With oversight from the Education Program Supervisor, the Digital Inclusion Virtual Reality (VR) Project Intern will work with IRC SLC’s local University of Utah partners to incorporate Virtual Reality (VR) in its newly-arrived refugee resettlement Cultural Orientation Module. CO is a comprehensive training for clients on navigating U.S. society, including U.S. Laws, available services, health, transportation, education, and overall positive adjustment. VR will enhance this existing training and aid in reinforcing the learning objectives specifically associated with the U.S. education system and navigating a new school. The main activities include post-production support including editing and balancing aesthetics with user experience as wells as designing and implementing staff-facing VR training tools.

COMMITMENT: 3-4 months starting in January 2022, 15-20 hours per week

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To deploy and adapt new technologies, specifically VR, that support refugee and New Americans integration.

• Develop staff-facing training resources for IRC SLC to support the implementation of VR technology into CO modules.

• To collaboratively create/ edit VR experiences that will accompany the CO Education module.

• To evaluate the use of VR technology in CO modules as a means of enhancing client’s experience and increased learning through interviews and follow-up surveys with participants.

• Work with Education Program team to seek out and build relationships with new community partners that are able to support increased access and use of technology (Digital Matters at the University of Utah).

• Support College and Career Readiness Specialist in facilitating and creating digital skills and tech career exposure workshops for refugee youth.

• Other duties as assigned (front desk coverage, office support, etc.)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. The intern will gain professional experience in working with diverse groups of clients.

2. The intern will deepen understanding of the balance of aesthetics and user experience as it pertains to new refugee client arrival’s Cultural Orientation modules.

3. The intern will gain experience with methods and technology used to disseminate learning for refugee and New American communities, specifically in the area of design and workflow of graphic overlays for immersive environments.

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• Previous experience teaching technology basics and troubleshooting preferred; experience with refugees a plus.

• Committed to at least 12 weeks working a minimum of 15 hours per week.

• Introductory use with virtual platforms for communication including WhatsApp, Google Hangouts, and Zoom.

• Adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies & dress code.

• Willingness to learn about the IRC and cross-cultural communication with clients.

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English; fluency in a refugee language helpful.

• Independent and able to accomplish tasks efficiently and in a timely manner.

• Pass IRC background check, including driving history report.

This is an unpaid internship position. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available.

Interested applicants should email a resume, cover letter, and two letters of recommendation to [email protected] with “DI VR Project Intern” in the subject line.

IRC POLICIES & ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

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 any in-person role/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.

Added 2 years ago - Updated 11 months ago - Source: rescue.org