Comprehensive Refugee Youth Mentor

Volunteer Job Description

Position Title: Refugee Mentor

Program: Catholic Charities Refugee Youth Program

Responsibilities for mentors:

·        Assist refugee youth in adjusting to and transitioning to a new local community, society, and educational system.

·        Help the youth acquire and improve their English language knowledge, learn about American culture, and maintain their cultural heritage.

·        Provide the mentee with academic, vocational, emotional, and social support, career planning activities, employability skills, social and life skills training, and financial and health literacy, as well as facilitate opportunities for peer engagement, learning, and encouragement.

·        Record volunteer hours in Get Connected (volunteer website) and send them to the case manager at the end of each month.

Qualifications:

·        Refugee Youth Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. He/she must have a High School Diploma, associate, or bachelor’s degree

·        Bilingual (either Spanish or Haitian Creole) is beneficial but not necessary.

·        Teaching experience or willingness to teach refugee youth English and (if necessary) other subjects.

·        Desire to make a difference in the life of refugee youth in a positive way.

·        Respect refugee families, their path, language, and culture, and maintain personal information to be kept confidential.

·        Understanding and empathy of the struggle youth are experiencing.

·        Patience when teaching youth with limited English proficiency.

·        Background checked/fingerprinted with the Diocese of Orlando and the Department of Children and Families for security clearance.

·        Attended video training on safety via Catholic Charities Volunteer Training Link.

Training:

·       Completes Safety Environment Certification.

·       Participates in Training and Orientation. Receiving Guidelines on Mentoring Activities.