Cultural Orientation Intern (Fall 2024)

Background: 
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.

Cultural Orientation:
Is required for newly arrived refuges and provides information on relevant cultural topics that impact refugee client’s ability to be self-sufficient in the U.S. The program schedules groups of clients to come into the office, or gather on Zoom, to receive an orientation on relevant social norms and self-sufficiency-based topics. The orientation is completed in the client’s primary language(s) with the assistance of trained interpreters and covers topics such as U.S. Laws, public benefits, budgeting and personal finance, and outlines the role of IRC in client’s resettlement period.

Scope of Role: 
The cultural orientation intern can expect to assist in scheduling families in advance for their respective orientation time, ensure our translation services are scheduled for the orientation, preference for interns who are willing to drive families to and from appointments at times, present the orientation, write case notes, and assist with supporting tasks. Interns will have the opportunity to gain greater insight into the resettlement process for refugees in the Richmond area.

Learning Objectives:
The Cultural Orientation Intern will:

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

·Develop clients service skills, 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:

·Coordinate with clients to schedule cultural orientation

·Schedule interpretation as needed 

·Provide transportation to in-person orientations, as needed

·Facilitate cultural orientation to clients 18+ years old on a bi-weekly basis

·Conduct post-orientation assessments to determine understanding of covered material

·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

Minimum Qualifications:

·Background in education or experience teaching formally or informally preferred

·Cultural awareness of and sensitivity to vulnerable populations, and a desire to help refugees adjust to life in the U.S.

·Effective communication skills, especially in a multicultural environment

·Organized and detail-oriented 

·Ability to work independently and as a part of a team

·Willingness to transport clients, reliable vehicle, driver’s license, and insurance

·Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Teams

·Experience with Zoom video platform

·English fluency, spoken and written is required, proficiency in language(s) spoken by client groups is desired (especially Dari, Pashto, Spanish, Arabic, Swahili, and Kinyarwanda)

This position is unpaid and reports to the Adult Education Specialist.

*The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlines in the IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti-Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

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.