The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a nonprofit organization in Missoula, MT that aims to provide assistance to people affected by humanitarian crises, enabling them to recover and rebuild their lives. Through opportunities fostered through community partnerships, the program assists refugees in translating their skills into assets and endeavors that are valuable to their new communities. The IRC makes sure that refugees receive the resources to set them up for success and make their transition comfortable. The AmeriCorps member will be referred to as a College Coach. The AmeriCorps member will serve with refugee students through partnerships with IRC Missoula and Soft Landing Missoula (SLM) to design and coordinate mentorship projects for refugee students. Specific areas for mentorship and support include future planning and academic success.
Service Activities
As an AmeriCorps member, you will participate in after-school programs through the IRC at least once per week to provide academic mentorship to refugee youth participants. You will also assist in program development and will serve as the point of contact for representatives of Missoula County Public Schools and project partners to organize and facilitate future goal-oriented activities. You will coordinate a minimum of three such activities (i.e. organizing career days with representatives of different fields, coordinating shadowing opportunities, coordinating workshops, college tours, etc.). You will work with a project partner to identify and provide mentorship to refugee and immigrant college students at UM and Missoula College. You will also assist the Education Specialist in tasks concerning enrollment, tours, immunizations, and summer camp coordination. Learn more by visiting https://mtcompact.org/available-positions/.
Community Need Addressed
The educational and assimilation needs of refugee and immigrant youth in Missoula, Montana.
Position Outcomes
Immigrant youth and families will understand and can take advantage of the United States Education System to seek opportunities.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable), Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
The site will offer transportation assistance, wellness assistance and training. As an AmeriCorps College Coach, you will receive 10 Days of Personal Leave; 10 Days of Sick/Medical Leave; Professional development and training opportunities; Eligible for hiring preference with Employers of National Service; Access to My Life Expert member assistance program.
Skills you will gain
Communication, conflict resolution, leadership, mentoring, time management.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment