Resettlement Casework Intern (Unpaid)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you’re a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

BACKGROUND: 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 28 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home.

SCOPE OF INTERNWORK: The new arrival casework Intern will assist case management staff in providing reception and placement services to newly arrived refugees as they adjust to their new lives in the US. (S)he will play a key role in helping refugee families access needed benefits and services within their first month to six months in the United States. The intern will also perform a series of clerical and administrative duties to ensure client files are kept up to date.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Assist casework staff with reception services to clients, including setting up apartments for new arrivals; assisting clients with application for Social Security and state ID cards; teaching clients how to cash checks and use public transportation; accompanying clients to medical appointments, grocery shopping, and school enrollment.

• Help clients prepare and understand forms and paperwork.

• Facilitate group orientations to ensure clients have a good understanding of the Reception and Placement (R&P) program – (IRC will provide training to intern)

• Assist staff with sorting and filing of documents and case files.

• Ensure client success with a strong emphasis on empowerment through high quality service that supports clients to thrive in their community.

• Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy.  

• Display sensitivity to cultural and personality differences of refugee clients.  Respect their beliefs and values.  

• Perform reception duties such as greeting visitors to the office and connecting them to appropriate staff.

• Other related duties as assigned, including answering and directing incoming phone calls.

• Provide translation and interpretation when necessary.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

1. Student will learn about refugee resettlement and refugee social services

1. Student will develop problem solving and client services skills

1. Student will learn how to manage client cases within established deadlines

REQUIREMENTS: 

• Undergraduate level studies in social sciences, international relations or a related field.

• Languages desired but not required: French, Spanish, Arabic, Dari/Farsi, Pashto, Kiswahili or Kinyarwanda.

• Strong desire to help refugees rebuild their lives in New Jersey

• Ability to work independently and with high attention to detail

• Competency in Microsoft Office, data tracking, and file management

•  Excellent attention to detail and effective communication skills.

•  Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

•  Patience, understanding, flexibility, and an unceasingly positive attitude.

•  Willing to learn about IRC history, philosophy, global work, and local efforts.

•  Willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies.

• Able to transport clients locally by public transportation. Transporting clients by car is a plus.

• Ability to work independently and with high attention to detail

• Competency in Microsoft Office, data tracking, and file management

This position reports to the Casework Supervisor.

IRC leading the way From Harm To Home.

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.