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Starting the Process
IRC refugee clients often arrive in San Diego with little or no English. One of the most important parts of the resettlement process is finding that first job which can be near impossible if the client doesn't have at least basic English. All adult clients are referred to local English as a Second Language classes or to IRC's own First Things First Mother Pre School Program. They also go through an employment evaluation to learn about their previous work history and transferable job skills.
Each month, employable adult clients check in with their Case Manager and Job Developer. The Job Developer gives the client an English test to see how they are progressing. Usually, after a few months of English classes, the client has sufficient English to start looking for a job. The next step is to attend the Job Readiness Training class (see below).
Photo: IRC client Tabetha Torkech from Sudan getting tested for her progress in English
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Job Readiness Training
Every employable IRC client attends a Job Readiness Training class where they learn about the job search process in the United States. The class is very practical, focusing on completing applications, mock interviews, and vocabulary used in the work place.
Once a client has completed the course, he or she is ready to look for a job. IRC Job Developers will search out job opportunities and accompany clients to interviews. IRC has established relationships with many local companies and are able to help
Photo: Job Developer Linda Pitzer-Donato teaches job search skills in the IRC classroom
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Anab Used Her New Skills to Find a Job
Anab Nur is a young Somali woman who arrived in the US with very little English. Determined to take advantage of every opportunity, she quickly enrolled in English classes. As soon as she had basic English skills, she attended IRC's week long Job Readiness Training Course where she learned how to apply and interview for a job. Anab went on her own to several companies and soon found a job as an assembler for a bio tech company. Good going Anab!
Photo - Anab (left) with IRC Case Manager Amina Farah at the IRC Office
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Links
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IRC San Diego
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Make an on-line donation to IRC San Diego
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To inquire about volunteering with the IRC:
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IRC Website for Refugees and Asylees: www.refugeeinfo.org
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IRC Employment Department
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IRC Students Plus After School Program
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IRC Economic Development Department
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IRC First Things First Mother Pre Schooler Program
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IRC Immigration Department
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Contact
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Journey to a Job
The IRC Job Developers meet with each client many times while helping them prepare for and find their first job.
A lucky client will land a job on the first interview, but if you have ever looked for a job, you know it is rarely that easy. The Job Developers accompany the clients as they apply and interview for jobs. This usually takes several outings. IRC has a good relationship with some local employers who contact us when they have an opening and offer to interview qualified clients. This is extremely helpful.
When a job offer is made, it is a reason to celebrate. Many of our clients have been out of the workforce for a decade or more due to war in their country and time in the refugee camp. A job is the first step to becoming self-sufficient; a job provides more than income - for people who have experienced war and tragedy, it is a sign that life is getting back to normal.
The job offer isn't the last step: the IRC Job Developer will take the client to complete a drug test and purchase special shoes or clothing, if needed. Then, the most important step - making sure the client knows how to get to work. The Job Developer will go over the bus route to and from the job. The Job Developer usually takes the client on the first day to make sure he or she is on time and makes a good first impression.
The Job Developers follow up with the client and the employer at the end of the first day to make sure everything went ok. Another follow up is conducted at 60 and 90 days after the job placement.
The final step is to make sure the clients files his or her taxes come tax season. Since this is their first time to file, IRC provides free tax preparation services for employed clients.
International Rescue Committee
5348 University Ave
Suite 205
San Diego, CA 92105
619 641-7510
sandiego@theirc.org
Editor: Sharon Darrough
sharon.darrough@theirc.org
619 641-7510, ext. 249
IRC Mission Statement
Founded in 1933, the IRC is a global leader in emergency relief, rehabilitation, protection of human rights, post-conflict development, resettlement services and advocacy for those uprooted or affected by conflict or oppression.
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