Public Transportation Intern

Learning Objectives:

- Teach others how to navigate Richmond’s bus system (GRTC) and provide the best possible service to vulnerable populations. - Develop critical thinking skills, clients service skills, and intercultural education and social work skills. - Learn about the IRC locally and globally, the available services to refugees and eligible clients in Richmond, Virginia.

Responsibilities:

- Assist IRC staff with scheduling and implementing bus orientation classes, including: - Contacting clients to understand their needs and availability. - Scheduling and coordinating with interpreters as needed. - Meeting clients at their homes across the Richmond, Henrico, and Chesterfield region. - Providing information on IRC English classes for clients to enroll. - Presenting information on GRTC and best practices for public transportation, utilizing Google Maps and/or other appropriate tools. - Creating supplemental materials for clients to reference to assist them with riding the bus. - Coordinating and managing volunteers as needed. - Collecting data and writing case notes of each client interaction to support educational initiatives and encourage client success. - Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy, and practice sensitivity to cultural and personality differences of clients by respecting their beliefs and values. - Other support as needed.

Qualifications - Undergraduate or graduate level studies in education, social work, international relations, social sciences, urban planning, or related field preferred. - Ability to spend multiple hours outdoors under various weather conditions - Ability to walk up to three miles each day - Interest in GRTC, prior knowledge and experience preferred - Proficiency in more than one language preferred but not required - Effective communication skills, especially in a multicultural environment - Patience, understanding, and flexibility - Ability to plan ahead and be punctual - Cultural awareness of and sensitivity to vulnerable populations, and a desire to help refugees adjust to life in the U.S. - Engaged in learning about the IRC (mission, philosophy, global work, and local efforts) and willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies

This is an unpaid position.

IRC, leading the way from harm to home.

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlines in the 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.