TITLE: Health & Wellness Program Volunteer

LOCATION: Des Moines, IA                   

START DATE: Ongoing

DURATION: Minimum 3 months time commitment

SCHEDULE: Flexible, but at least 2 - 4 hours per week Monday - Friday, between 9-5 PM.

BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading, non-sectarian, non-profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict.  Domestically, our 29 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.  

The Des Moines, IA office was opened in July of 2022, serving more than 200 refugees in its first year. Our operations expanded to Iowa City with our office opening in February 2024. The Health and Wellness Coordinator supports clients in navigating complex medical and benefits systems, and designs and connects clients to programs and resources that improve their quality of life.

SCOPE OF VOLUNTEER WORK:

Under the supervision of the Health & Wellness Coordinator, volunteers will assist caseworkers in driving clients to medical appointments and identifying resources and relationships with agencies in the community that can expand offerings, activities, and health resources for IRC clients.

RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE:

  • Assist Case Manager in driving clients to IRC office, doctor’s office, grocery store, and other important locations.
  • Identify free extracurricular, engaging activities and programs in the community that support refugee children and families. 
  • Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy.

Desired but not Required:

  • Can speak Swahili, Dari / Farsi, Pashto, French, or Spanish.
  • Driver's license and insured car

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Display sensitivity to cultural and personality differences of refugee clients, showing respect for their beliefs and values.
  • Gain exposure to interacting with diverse communities, cultures, and backgrounds.
  • Deepen understanding of the refugee and immigrant communities' unique barriers, challenges, and assets.
  • Develop skills related to building a community network of connections and resources.
  • Identify ways to consolidate information and disseminate it to broad audiences.

This is an unpaid volunteer position with an opportunity for reimbursement for using a personal vehicle.

How to apply 

Go to https://irc-global.my.salesforce-sites.com/volunteer and complete the application. If you need assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to [email protected]. Once your application is received, a staff member will contact you for a brief interview. You will then receive a link to complete a background check. Finally, you will be contacted to attend a required volunteer training. 

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.