SLAVIC & EASTERN EUROPEAN CENTER - After-School Program & Educational Activities Volunteer (SchoolsOut WA)
Volunteer Role/Title: After-School Program & Educational Activities Volunteer
Program Area/Name: SEEC - Schoolout WA
Locations: Slavic & Eastern European Center 555 SE 99th Ave Portland, OR 97216
Schedule: Volunteers may help 1–2 days per week for 2–3 hours per day, with a maximum of 4–6 hours per week. The schedule will be arranged in advance & schedule will be flexible based on the volunteer’s availability and program needs.
Time Commitment: Long-term (at least 6 months)
Program Description: The Slavic and Eastern European Center (SEEC) wants to provide children from immigrant and refugee families with a safe and welcoming place to learn, grow, and make friends.
The After-School Program will offer language lessons, help with homework, educational activities, and fun group activities. Children will have opportunities to learn new skills, practice languages, and explore different subjects. Volunteers will help children with their schoolwork, teach languages and other subjects, and organize fun and educational activities. Their support will help children build confidence, improve their skills, and feel more connected to the community.
Position Details: Volunteers will support children and youth through after-school activities and educational support. They will plan and lead engaging activities, help students with homework, and teach languages and other academic subjects based on students’ needs and interests.
Volunteers may organize educational games, creative projects, group activities, and cultural learning opportunities. They will help create a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment where children can learn, develop new skills, build confidence, and connect with others.
We are looking for volunteers who enjoy working with children and youth, have good communication skills, are patient, responsible, creative, and comfortable leading group activities. Teaching or tutoring experience is preferred but not required.
Volunteers will work directly with children and youth in an after-school program, in coordination with program staff.
Volunteer Experience & Impact: Volunteers will make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth by helping them learn new skills, improve their academic performance, and develop confidence. Through after-school activities, tutoring, and language instruction, volunteers will provide additional learning opportunities and encourage curiosity, creativity, and social connections.
What makes this role exciting is the opportunity to share knowledge, introduce children to new subjects and cultures, and make learning fun and engaging. Volunteers can use their talents, creativity, and personal interests to inspire young people and help them succeed.
Qualifications
Preferred
- Experience working with children, tutoring, teaching, or leading group activities.
- Knowledge of a second language. Russian, Ukrainian, or other languages are welcome.
- Ability to teach or support academic subjects such as English, math, science, or other subjects.
- Creativity and ability to organize educational games, arts, crafts, and recreational activities.
- Previous volunteer or community experience
- Experience working with immigrant and refugee communities.
- Knowledge of different cultures and languages.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Required
- Must be 18 or older
- Reliable Transportation to/from Volunteer Site (must be able to commute regularly to on-site locations)
- Must pass an extensive background check - DHS ORCHARDS + fingerprinting
- Complete role-specific training & onboarding, including:
- Introduction to IRCO and the program’s goals.
- Child and youth safety, supervision, and appropriate boundaries.
- Child abuse prevention and mandatory reporting procedures.
- Confidentiality and privacy requirements.
- Training will be coordinated by program staff and provided in person or virtually, depending on availability. Volunteers will also receive guidance and support from program staff during their activities.
- Interest in working with children and youth.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Patience, responsibility, and a positive attitude.
- Ability to create a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment.
- Ability to work respectfully with people from different cultural backgrounds.
