Economic Development
Tax Assistant
Tasks and Responsibilities: Sign appointed clients in; screen them if they bring enough documents (IDs, W2 etc); help clients fill out the questionnaire regarding their all source of incomes and expenses throughout 2011; assist tax preparers with tax filing procedures and other tasks (such as copying, shredding, verify clients' details, etc.); bilingual volunteers preferred to help with interpretation if needed (but not required)
Benefits to Volunteer: A chance to help the community; an opportunity to work with an excellent, friendly and professional team; a chance to train yourself in fast paced working environment; gain more knowledge about income tax filing.
Volunteer Times: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, every week from February 1st – April 11th, 2012, 9am to 4pm. Two to three volunteers can split the shifts between mornings and afternoons or days of the week.
Urban Farm Teaching Assistant
Volunteer needed to generate activities relevant to farm curriculum that will help lower level English speaking clients to better understand lessons. Assist in assembling curriculum for class binders as well teaching classes. Work 2-4 hours per week with Farm staff to achieve goals. The volunteer must be available during class times of Tuesdays from 10-11am and Wednesdays 1-2pm.
Required Qualifications: Multi-lingual or experience working with refugees a plus; teaching experience; self-motivated and outgoing; knowledge of basic agriculture practices or serious interest in learning from refugee farmers; basic knowledge of multimedia devices for data collection and curriculum creation .
All applicants will complete a volunteer application, background check, and orientation.
EducationCitizenship Literacy Tutor
Patient, motivated volunteers needed to tutor adult students in our Citizenship Literacy Tutorial Program. Volunteers will work with one to three students on knowledge needed to pass the citizenship interview as well as on basic English literacy skills, using structured lessons prepared by the Education staff. Positions are available one or more days per week, Monday through Thursday from 1-3:30pm. Classes run year-round.
Required Qualifications: Tutoring or teaching experience a plus; native speaker proficiency in English; ability to work well with others; desire to work with other cultures and to assist clients with limited English proficiency; dependable and punctual; cultural sensitivity and flexibility essential.
All applicants will complete an interview and background check.
Teacher's Aide - ESOL Classes
Dependable volunteers needed to assist classroom instructors of adult ESOL. Responsibilities include helping with preparation and implementation of lessons, and assisting individual students or groups with English practice under the guidance of the instructor. Positions are available one or more days per week, Monday through Friday from 9am to 12pm; Monday through Thursday from 1-3:30pm; Monday through Wednesday from 6-8:30pm. Classes run year-round.
Required Qualifications: Tutoring or teaching experience a plus; ability to work well with others and independently; ability to speak English well; desire to work with other cultures; reliable and punctual; cultural sensitivity and flexibility essential. Must be comfortable speaking in front of and working with large groups of students. All applications will complete and interview and background check.
Teacher's Aide - Computer Classes
Motivated volunteers needed to assist the instructor of adult ESOL computer class. Responsibilities include giving training and responding to student questions on basic computer knowledge, ESL software and websites and helping with record keeping and student retention. Positions are available one or more days per week, Monday through Thursday from 4-5:30pm; Friday from 12:30-3pm. Classes run year-round.
Required Qualifications: Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office and internet use, and ability to troubleshoot basic software and hardware issues. Tutoring or teaching experience a plus. Ability to work well with others and independently; desire to work with other cultures; ability to speak English well; dependable and punctual; cultural sensitivity and flexibility essential. Must be comfortable speaking in front of and working with large groups of students. All applicants will complete an interview and background check.
EMPLOYMENT
Job Readiness Class Assistant
Assist clients one-on-one or in small groups completeing job readiness and financial literacy activities. Activities could include preparing and distributing class materials, checking attendance, assist instructor as needed and working in small groups with the students. 2 hours per week: Fridays, 1-3 pm.
Required Qualifications: Good communication and interpersonal skills; Spanish speakers a plus!
Jobs Volunteer
Assist refugee clients in their search for independence in America by preparing them for the workforce. Work one-on-one with individuals seeking employment and help complete job applications, resumes, and conduct mock interviews. Volunteers are needed a minimum of 2 hours per week during business hours. Training provided by staff.
Required Qualifications: Good communication and interpersonal skills; previous work with non-native English speakers; resume, application, and interview experience. Volunteer interview, background check, and orientation required.
SOCIAL SERVICES
Child Care Assistant
Provide child care for refugee children while their parents attend cultural orientations at the International Institute. Working with children can be a rewarding experience, and children from other countries are often unfamiliar with the toys available in the U.S. Their sense of wonder at such unusual playthings makes this an especially rewarding experience! Assistants are needed from 1-3:30pm, Mondays through Thursdays. Volunteers pick at least one day a week to volunteer.
Required Qualifications: Babysitting or child care experience a plus; all applicants will complete an interview and background check.
SPECIAL EVENTSFestival of Nations - August 25-26, 2012
The International Institute’s Festival of Nations unites the world’s many cultures for a two-day event. Musical performances, dance troupes & drum circles keep festival-goers feet tapping while the international cuisine offerings delight the senses. Craft demonstrations, children’s activities & gift booths line the walkways of Tower Grove Park. Volunteers can join in many of the activities & be right in the middle of the action. Selling drinks, acting as a stage assistant, helping with children’s activities, greeting visitors & assisting with sports demonstrations are all volunteer possibilities.
Required Qualifications: Volunteers should complete Festival of Nations volunteer application (available after Feb. 1). Some volunteer activities require the participant to be 21 years of age or older.
