The 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 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
BACKGROUND: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst Humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home.
SCOPE OF INTERN WORK: The Front Desk Volunteer will provide coverage for the reception desk, greet and direct client walk-ins, and schedule client appointments with appropriate staff. The role will answer the IRC in New York or New Jersey's main telephone line, direct incoming calls as appropriate and assess documentation of clients to determine program eligibility. The Front Desk Volunteer will provide additional clerical assistance and support to IRC staff in the New York or New Jersey regional office.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Perform reception duties such as greeting visitors to the office and connecting them to appropriate staff
• Assess documentation of visitors to determine eligibility of services
• Schedule appointments for all programs depending on eligibility of client
• Answer and direct incoming phone calls
• Assist staff with clerical and administrative duties
• Display sensitivity to cultural and personality differences of refugee clients. Respect their beliefs and values.
• Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy.
• Communicate effectively in person and by telephone.
• Other related duties as assigned.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Understand scope of IRC services and programs available for a variety of immigrant and refugee groups in New York City.
2. Improve communication and customer service skills in a linguistic and cultural environment.
3. Learn about refugee resettlement issues and processes.
REQUIREMENTS:
• Previous administrative experience preferred
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Cultural sensitivity and detail oriented with the proven ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to effectively communicate and work as a team member in a cross-cultural environment
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English; additional fluency in Arabic, Spanish, Dari, Pashto, French, Ukrainian, Russian, or Kiswahili preferred.
• Willing to learn about IRC history, philosophy, global work, and local efforts.
• Willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies.
This position reports to the Operations Manager.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.
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Compensation: Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.
US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.
Equal Opportunity Employer: 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.
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Skills Required
- Previous administrative experience
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Cultural sensitivity and attention to detail
- Ability to communicate and work as a team member in a cross-cultural environment
- Fluent English
- Additional fluency in Arabic, Spanish, Dari, Pashto, French, Ukrainian, Russian, or Kiswahili
- Willingness to learn about IRC history, philosophy, global work, and local efforts
- Willingness to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies
What We Do
The International Rescue Committee is a global humanitarian organization that provides emergency relief, health care, and support to refugees and people affected by conflict and disaster.
