Economic Empowerment Intern (Unpaid)

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 more than 40 countries and in 28 U.S. cities, the IRC provides resettlement, education, and empowerment support to refugees and displaced people.

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK: The Economic Empowerment Intern is a position to support the Economic Empowerment Department with workforce development and career development programs. As an intern, you will support IRC clients in attaining self-sufficiency through employment.  This entails case management support related to employment, employer outreach, job search, job placement, and career services. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in the field of workforce development and/or social service work with immigrants and refugees. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

In this position, the intern will support the Workforce Development Team with tasks related to employment services and case management support, specifically related to workforce development. The intern will create action plans, identify additional services needed, and monitor progress toward the goal with individual students. 

• Assist the Workforce Development Team with a caseload of clients in need of employment

• Conduct one-on-one meetings with clients to set goals for employment or education needs.

• Assist clients in developing resumes, cover letters, and interview preparation. 

• Track client meetings and progress in case notes and spreadsheets. 

• Research employment and vocational training opportunities in NJ. 

• Gain an understanding of IRC services to refer clients to.

• Research other direct assistance programs to refer clients based on public service needs. 

• Communicate effectively with clients in person and via telephone.

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

• Ability to work with clients from multiple backgrounds with varying English skills. 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

1. Intern will learn how to effectively build partnerships with employers and broader career development resources such as certification programs, advanced ESL courses, The intern will learn how to effectively build partnerships with employers and broader career development resources such as certification programs, advanced ESL courses, and job training and job trainings. 

1. Intern will learn how to provide direct services to immigrant and refugee populations. 

1. Intern will learn how to manage and record client data, meeting notes, and contact referrals.