Housing Volunteer

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TIME COMMITMENT: On call with a 6-month commitment

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 25 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.

SCOPE OF WORK: Volunteers will assist the Housing Specialist in providing housing related services, including helping move families from temporary housing and apartment set up. Volunteers are notified of upcoming moves and help transfer clients and belongings from temporary housing to their new apartment or house.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Attend Volunteer/Intern Orientation
• Must undergo and pass a background check. The IRC kindly requests a $35 fee to assist in covering the cost of this requirement
• Possibility to conduct housing research (i.e. searching for homes on web platforms and contacting landlords)
• Advocate for clients during delivery of needed services; represent IRC in a professional manner
• Occasional transport of clients to various appointments (i.e. lease signing appointments)
• Occasionally shop for and set up homes for arriving cases
• Assist IRC staff in transporting clients and belongs from temporary to permanent housing.
• Record hours and submit completed timesheet for each month via the IRC’s online Volunteer Dashboard.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to work with minimal supervision
• Comfortable working in a multicultural environment
• Flexible, able to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word and/or Google Platforms is preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Reliable, responsible, able to complete tasks within required time-frame
• Must have a car and a clean driving record
• Must be located in Charlottesville, Virginia and be willing to complete field work.