Refugee & Immigration Services Phoenix - Refugee & Immigration Services - Phoenix - Refugee First Friend
Volunteer Role Description
|
Volunteer title |
Mentor |
|
Reports to |
Intensive Case Manager or Match Grant Coordinator (Employment) |
Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest creates a foundation for 67,000 men, women and children to thrive across Arizona. We stabilize individuals and families during times of crisis and transition, we build a self-reliant foundation and we preserve dignity and respect.
Volunteer purpose and impact
The volunteer will be matched with a refugee individual who needs additional assistance adjusting to life in the United States. Two different programs require mentorship placement:
Intensive Case Management Program – Provide supportive services to the most vulnerable refugees who need assistance to overcome social isolation, navigate U.S. agencies, promote necessary U.S. survival skills, and understand U.S. culture and the English language.
Employment Services – Work with refugees as a cultural liaison and encourage the mentee to engage in the community, assist with job search and job readiness activities, help the mentee find childcare, practice using the public transit system, etc.
Each program includes, but is not limited to, the services outlined above.
The volunteer mentor will be placed in one program based on their skills, interests, and abilities.
Responsibilities and key deliverables
- Meet with your mentee at least once a week for two hours
- Commit to mentorship for 6 months – 1 year
- Act as a bridge to the mainstream American community
- Respect the traditions, culture, and religion of the person you work with
- Be flexible and able to meet with the refugee based on their schedule
- Support your client on their path to self-sufficiency (being able to support themselves in the US)
- Give regular updates about the mentee’s progress to the assigned staff supervisor.
Working conditions
The volunteer will set their own hours based on when they can meet with their mentee.
Clearances required & training
Must have a Fingerprint Clearance Card. Must complete a mentorship training before being matched with a mentee.
Location & timeframe
Mentors must commit to at least 6 months of contact with their mentee, meeting at least once per week for two hours.
