Digital Access Intern

The IRC SLC seeks a self-starting, tech-savvy intern with cross-cultural sensitivities, leadership qualities, troubleshooting skills, and a team mindset to support a growing program focused on digital inclusion and digital equity for refugee clients.

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 Digital Inclusion Program operates within the IRC SLC’s Education Program and supports digital skill development for newly arrived Refugees and New Americans. The program provides clients with access to technology and cultivates a set of fundamental tech skills that are pertinent to living in Salt Lake City. This includes providing affordable home internet access, tech mentorships, and core resettlement services with integrated digital skills.

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK:

With oversight from the Digital Inclusion Specialist, the Digital Access Intern will conduct digital skills assessments, assist with internet service enrollments, provide basic training on computer and smartphone use, and ongoing technical support for refugee clients. Digital connectivity is a critical issue for newly arrived clients and technological barriers prevent access to IRC services, such as online health, job readiness, and English Language Learning platforms. The Digital Access Intern will provide follow-up tech support to assist the client’s participation in IRC SLC’s virtual programs. In addition to providing basic tech support, the Digital Access Intern will help keep an inventory of donated digital devices for distribution.

COMMITMENT:

20-35 hours per week

•First Cohort: August 19th – December 6th

•Second Cohort: September 9th: December 20th

RESPONSIBILITIES:

•Manage data entry and other record-keeping tasks

•Support Digital Inclusion (DI) programs and events

•Support tech squad volunteers, who will provide basic digital literacy and tech support to clients

•Conduct DI intakes and administer digital skills assessments for new arrivals

•Assist in the distribution and setup of digital devices such as laptops

•Provide ongoing technical support to clients by troubleshooting problems remotely or in person, with an interpreter when necessary

•Enroll clients in different internet service programs

•Provide virtual support for clients via Zoom or other online meeting platforms

•Other duties as assigned (front desk coverage, office support, etc.)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

•The digital inclusion access intern will gain professional experience in digital literacy programming, including best practices and approaches for implementing digital education

•The intern will deepen understanding of program design, data tracking, and evaluation

•The intern will gain experience with cross-cultural communication and strength-based approach service delivery

•The intern will understand newly arrived refugee and new American resettlement process

•Develop and conduct digital literacy training sessions tailored to the needs of refugees

Minimum Qualifications:

REQUIREMENTS:

•Previous experience with technology and troubleshooting preferred

•experience with refugees a plus

•Committed to at least 16 weeks working a minimum of 20-35 hours per week

•Experience using online meeting platforms such as Zoom, Teams etc.

•Adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies & dress code

•Willingness to learn about the IRC and cross-cultural communication with clients

•Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English; proficiency in a language used by clients desired, such as: Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Kinyarwanda, Kiswahili, Pashto, Spanish, or others

•Independent and able to accomplish tasks efficiently and in a timely manner

•Pass IRC background check, including driving history report

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

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

•Background check is required

Intern will report to: Moh Shafi Ahmadi, Digital Inclusion Specialist