Health Access Intern

BACKGROUND:

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading, non-sectarian, non-profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict.Domestically, our 28 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.

The Health Access Program facilitates access to health care for newly resettled refugees while supporting client acute and long-term health needs.

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK:

With oversight from the Health Access Program Coordinator, the Health Access Intern will provide direct support to the program. They will assist with responding to client health needs, care coordination efforts as well as the development of the Health Access Program by creating partnerships with service provides within the local community.

COMMITMENT:

15 hours minimum for 3 months

-First Cohort: August 19th – December 6th

-Second Cohort: September 9th – December 20th

RESPONSIBILITIES:

•Schedule and coordinate medical and health appointments for clients

•Assist clients in ensuring medical bills have been billed to Medicaid

•Teach clients how to use Google Maps so that they are able to access clinics and pharmacies via public transportation

•Assist with conducting Health Intakes with new arrivals

•Provide transportation to/from medical appointments for clients

•Assist Clients with medication re-fills as needed and LTBI medication pick ups

•Support the development of partnerships with local medical transport companies and clinics

•Support overall functioning of Health Program, projects and initiatives

•            Assist with one client mass transit orientation each week that teaches clients how to access their medical clinic.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1.The intern will gain professional experience in medical case management and care coordination efforts.

2.The intern will deepen understanding of the refugee resettlement process, refugee health topics, the social determinants of health and the public health significance.

3.The intern will gain experience with navigating the U.S. Health Care System and the Medicaid Health Insurance System.

4.The intern will gain direct experience with working with people from different background than their own and will develop advocacy skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

REQUIREMENTS:

•Familiarity with the U.S Health Care system and Medicaid preferred.

•Ability to be flexible and adaptable with strong problem-solving skills

•Educational background in public health, health promotion or social work.

•Clean driving record and access to an insured personal vehicle OR familiarity and comfortable with local public transportation system.

•Must be currently enrolled in a graduate/undergrad program, or have graduated less than 6 months ago.

•Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, fluency in additional language preferred.

•Background check is required.

NOTE: This is an UNPAID INTERNSHIP

Intern will report to: Innie Twishime

IRC leading the way from harm to home.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.