Employment Mentor

Employment Mentors will have the unique opportunity to work directly with newly resettled refugees in helping to create resumes and cover letters and filling out job applications with refugee clients. Employment Mentors will be assigned to an individual client to follow through the job search process from gathering the refugee’s applicable skills in order to prepare a resume to taking a client to a job interview. Employment mentors will serve as an essential partner in helping newly resettled refugees overcome barriers to obtaining a job in the U.S. Key Responsibilities include: • Meet with clients to determine needs in the job-search process • Prepare Resumes, Cover Letters, and aid in filling out job applications for clients • Research potential job opportunities in local area • Provide guidance on American customs in the workplace and model professionalism through dress, punctuality, etc. Impact and Sustained Outcomes: This position is extremely important to equipping refugees to reach full self-sufficiency. By partnering one-on-one with clients, Employment mentors will play a key role in enabling newly resettled refugees to thrive in this new environment by securing gainful employment. Training and Support: Employment Mentors will receive an orientation training with includes information about refugees world-wide as well as specific information about refugee populations in San Diego. They will work under the joint supervision of the volunteer coordinators and Job Developers and will receive support from them, but will also be required to work with a high level of self-sufficiency. Commitment: Depending on availability, volunteers will be assigned 1-2 refugee clients at a time, and will be asked to commit to program until their assigned client in no longer in need of services or a minimum of two months. These hours will be determined by the volunteer and their mentoring family. Benefits: Through this experience volunteers and interns will have the opportunity to experience first hand the difficulties related to navigating the challenges faced by newly resettled refugees. In addition they will gain knowledge and experience of the non-profit and social services sector. This position is ideal for volunteers interested in pursuing social work of any kind. Most of all this position is extremely rewarding at the volunteer sees the direct positive impact their work will achieve in the lives of these refugee families.

Skills and Qualifications: • Relational, personable, understanding • Able to work with minimal supervision and direction • Cultural sensitivity and awareness • Resourceful in meeting needs of refugee clients among difficult circumstances

THIS IS A VOLUNTEER POSITION. To apply, please send resume and application to volunteer@alliance-for-africa.org. Applications can be found at the bottom of this page: http://alliance-for-africa.org/get_involved.php

Julie Duncan and Joelle Bennet-Cauchon