Employment Mentors will have the unique opportunity to work directly with newly resettled refugees in helping to create resumes and cover letters and filling out job applications with refugee clients. Employment Mentors will be asked to assist individual clients with the job application such as assisting with writing resumes, filling out applications and writing cover letter. Employment mentors will serve as an essential partner in helping newly resettled refugees overcome barriers to obtaining a job in the U.S.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Be available at least once a week to offer assistance at the Alliance
- Prepare Resumes, Cover Letters, and aid in filling out job applications for clients
- Research potential job opportunities in local area
- Provide guidance on American customs in the workplace and model professionalism through dress, punctuality, etc.
Impact and Sustained Outcomes: This position is extremely important to equipping refugees to reach full self-sufficiency. By aiding with the application process, Employment mentors will play a key role in enabling newly resettled refugees to thrive in this new environment by securing gainful employment.
Training and Support: Employment Mentors will receive an orientation training which includes information about refugees world-wide as well as specific information about refugee populations in San Diego. They will work under the joint supervision of the volunteer coordinators and Job Developers and will receive support from them, but will also be required to work with a high level of self-sufficiency.
Commitment: Depending on availability, volunteers will be asked to set at least one 2-hour class a week to have refugees come in and receive job application assistance. Hours can be determined by the volunteer's own schedule.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Relational, personable, understanding
- Able to work with minimal supervision and direction
- Cultural sensitivity and awareness
- Resourceful in meeting needs of refugee clients among difficult circumstances
Benefits: Through this experience volunteers and interns will have the opportunity to experience first hand the difficulties related to navigating the challenges faced by newly resettled refugees. In addition they will gain knowledge and experience of the non-profit and social services sector. This position is ideal for volunteers interested in pursuing social work of any kind. Most of all this position is extremely rewarding at the volunteer sees the direct positive impact their work will achieve in the lives of these refugee families.
