Adult Education Intern (Fall 2024)

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 50 countries and more than 25 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: 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 22 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.

Scope of Role: Developing skills and confidence in speaking, reading, and writing in English is crucial for new arrivals’ success in Richmond. These skills expand resource accessibility, employment opportunities, and much more. The Adult Education Intern will assist the Adult Education Specialist in the planning and implementation of English language training classes to the refugees and immigrants that IRC Richmond serves. The Adult Education Intern will also assist clients with accessing classes in the community and receiving a cultural orientation class upon their arrival in Richmond.

Learning Objectives:The Adult EducationIntern will:

• Learn how to manage classes and supporting services within the established requirements, to provide the best possible service to vulnerable populations.

• Develop critical thinking skills, clients service skills, and intercultural education and social work skills.

• Learn about the IRC locally and globally, the available services to refugees and ORR-eligible clients in Richmond, Virginia.

Responsibilities:

• Assist IRC staff with the enrollment, coordination, and implementation of classes, including:

• Contacting students to confirm their availability to attend classes.

• Navigating client barriers to education, including transportation and childcare.

• Differentiating and scaffolding instruction to students individually or in small groups.

• Communicating with local stakeholders and adult education services to connect students to appropriate classes.

• Support teachers in the preparation of the student materials for the classes.

• Coordinate with volunteers to ensure proper coverage is in place for adult education classes, including childcare volunteers; cover the childcare volunteer role as needed.

• Collect and interpret data to support educational initiatives and encourage student success.

• Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy, and practice sensitivity to cultural and personality differences of clients by respecting their beliefs and values.

• Other support as needed.

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.