Job Title: Digital Navigation Volunteer
Location: Fieldwork/in-person
State Date: May 2025
Duration: 4-6+ Months; 2-4 hours per week; Standard business hours.
***** NOTE: This is an unpaid opportunity. *******
ABOUT US: 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 29 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home.
ABOUT THE JOB: The Digital Navigation Volunteer will act as a trusted guide to accessing affordable and appropriate digital devices and building digital literacy skills for vulnerable community members. He/she will provide individualized or small group assistance to refugees and other humanitarian migrants, aging individuals, individuals with a language barrier, and individuals with disabilities who face barriers to digital literacy and access.
One-on-one services are centered on locating affordable home internet service + affordable internet-capable devices, and/or coaching in introductory digital skills in order to become effective home internet users and be able to participate online fully. Coaching may be provided in person (at IRC-LA’s Glendale office, in client homes, or in other safe public locations during open hours) or by phone, email, text, video chat, and other communication methods that work for the client.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Volunteer will gain meaningful 1:1 services for vulnerable community members.
Volunteer will experience intergenerational teaching opportunities.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Initiate interactions with clients seeking assistance or identified by IRC-LA for assistance.
Assess client needs, complete individualized success plan, and complete client enrollment packet with new program participants.
Discuss with each client their home internet access or need for home internet access, technology experiences, and their access to and use of devices.
Assess clients’ access to technology, current digital skill level, connectivity needs, and internet use priorities. Set agreed goals for “Digital Skills for All” program duration.
Provide information to clients about low-cost technology, relevant discount programs, device repair and maintenance services; support their efforts to acquire appropriate devices.
Coach clients on using technology to meet their internet use priorities and goals, including video conferencing, downloading apps, using language translation tools, accessing mobile banking, and more.
Track each client’s progress and types of requests, maintaining accurate session notes and outcomes data.
Ensure a total of fifteen hours of digital skills coaching (group or individual) per client prior to concluding services.
Safeguard client privacy, confidentiality, safety and dignity in all aspects of program services.
Other related duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS:
Fluent in spoken and written English.
Language skills: proficiency in Spanish, Farsi, Armenian, Dari, Pashto, or Arabic is strongly preferred but not required.
Curiosity: expected to be interested in learning alongside your clients, navigating relevant and unfamiliar resources, and establishing a personalized coaching relationship with each client.
Active listening: reflect what clients say so they know you understand them, establishing a foundation of trust and respect.
Transportation: must be willing to drive a reasonable distance to meet your client when virtual services are insufficient (maximum one in-person session per week). Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle required.
Scheduling: time commitment is 1-2 hours per week. Flexible scheduling is based on your and your client’s availability during the week or on weekends.
Cultural humility: must remain patient, open-minded, and free of judgement when working with participants from different cultural backgrounds.
Independence: self-starters who thrive in volunteer roles with a high degree of independence and autonomy are strongly encouraged to apply.
Our Hiring Process:
Attend an info session to learn more about this opportunity.
Submit your online application here.
Interview with our team.
A background check was done via HireRight (a donation of $49 to help cover the cost).
Attend an Orientation.
Don't hesitate to contact Volunteer.LA@Rescue.org if you have any questions.
Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.