Empower Volunteer Tutor; Unpaid

Empower Volunteer Tutor (Unpaid)

International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933, IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian NGOs, working in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities.

The IRC in the United States welcomes newly arrived refugees and immigrants, supports them in their resettlement, and provides holistic services to help them build new lives. As an introduction to the position, this brief overview gives the reader an understanding of the role’s components and how it fits into the mission.

The IRC in New Jersey seeks volunteer tutors to support English language learners among newcomer refugee youth who have been settled in New Jersey. Beginning with in‑person training sessions in March, volunteer tutors will work individually with refugee youth in their homes to improve English Language Acquisition/Learning.

• Provide one‑on‑one individualized in‑home tutoring.
• Work with assigned student for 90 minutes twice a week for 24 sessions, engaging in 30 minutes of ESL homework support/assistance and 30 minutes of ESL instruction.
• Curate a welcoming environment that fosters community and learning.
• Communicate regularly with the Youth Programs Coordinator, Instructional Design Specialist, and caregivers regarding scheduling, student progress, tutor support, and challenges.
• Maintain timely documentation: submit the Tutor Log and Tutor Planner within 24 hours of the second tutoring session each week.
• Attend individual and group virtual Tutor Support Check‑Ins once a month.
• Comply with office policies and program procedures.

• Passionate about helping youth reach their potential.
• Flexible, patient, and empathetic.
• Critical thinking skills.
• Committed, dependable, and punctual.
• Creative and has a sense of fun.
• An active listener.
• Technologically competent (able to use Microsoft/Google Forms, virtual educational materials, and Google Translate).
• Respectful in a global context around different languages and practices.
• Comfortable and aware of support needs.

Volunteers must be based in the U.S.; interns must be U.S. citizens or have U.S. work authorization, be enrolled in post‑secondary education or have graduated within the last 2 years.

• Attend one in‑person orientation and training session at the IRC Elizabeth office (2.5 hours).
• Attend three online training modules with IRC HQ (4+ hours).
• Complete a clear background check.
• Proactively communicate with caregivers to schedule in‑home tutor sessions.
• Have reliable, punctual transportation to and from the assigned student’s home twice a week.
• Interact with global populations effectively and respectfully.

• Proven ability to build community within individualized sessions and cultivate students’ commitment to academic learning.
• Thorough, detailed knowledge and understanding of English grammar with the ability to modify lesson plans to reflect students’ needs and interests (age, grade level, etc.).
• Ability to interact with global populations and empathize with people unfamiliar with local culture.
• Ethical and professional conduct that facilitates building a respectful, trusting, and collaborative relationship with caregivers.
• Multilingual abilities in Spanish, Arabic, Dari, Pashto.

All IRC workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. The organization upholds integrity, service, equality, and accountability, and enforces policies on safeguarding, conflicts of interest, fiscal integrity, and protection from retaliation.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.