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.
SCOPE OF WORK
The case management program includes providing core services to new arrivals, and helping clients work towards self-sufficiency in the U.S. in the areas of health, employment, finances, education, housing, family, and community. Under the supervision of the Caseworker, the Fall 2024 Cuban-Haitian Entrant (CHE) Casework Intern will focus primarily on gaining experience in the field of resettlement, learning and implementing the Cuban-Haitian Entrant Program services outlined under the U.S. resettlement program, and building the capacity of the current casework team by assisting in the everyday work of caseworkers.
This is an unpaid internship position that requires a minimum commitment of 10 – 15 hours a week for at least two months.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Job shadows the casework team with the goal to understand the core services delivered under the U.S. resettlement program.
- Build the capacity of the casework team by learning about and supporting the following activities:
- Helping clients follow up on status of important documents (e.g., social security cards)
- Enrolling families in English language training (ELT) classes.
- Enrolling children in public schools.
- Teaching clients how to navigate public transportation.
- Providing general administrative support such as case notes and uploading documentation into case files.
- Other duties as assigned.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Gain exposure to interacting with diverse communities, cultures, and backgrounds.
- Deepen understanding of the unique barriers, challenges, and assets of the refugee and immigrant communities.
- Gain industry knowledge of the U.S. refugee resettlement program and its core services.
- Gain experience in working directly with clients to support their goals.
REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially.
- Strong intercultural communication skills, including demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and across language barriers.
- Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
- Comfortable with Microsoft Office products and willingness to learn to use new software for data entry.
- Adherence to IRC volunteer/intern and workplace policies.
- Spoken and written fluency/proficiency in English required.
- Spoken and written fluency in Spanish required.
TRAINING & GUIDANCE
- In-depth training will be provided for interns to understand IRC programming and the various needs of clients accessing IRC services. Interns will receive training on IRC’s federal R&P and APA service agreements and their programmatic requirements for resettlement services. Interns with client languages who could serve as an interpreter will receive guidance on policies when interpreting. Other activity specific training will be provided as needed. Flexibility, initiative, and a desire to collaborate are essential qualities for this intern opportunity. A high-level of confidentiality is required when working with IRC clients.
- Please note that this is an UNPAID internship; however, IRC Louisville will provide mileage reimbursement for person vehicle usage during the internship. All intern opportunities are contingent on clearing a background check*. Interns must adhere to the IRC intern and workplace policies, which includes confidentiality and client safeguarding.
FOR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS, TEACHERS, & YOUTH PROGRAM LEADERS
If you would like to discuss connecting your organization with the IRC in Louisville for internship opportunities, please email Alma Herović, Development Manager, at Volunteer.Louisville@rescue.org with the subject line “INTERNSHIP.”
OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED & SUPPORT
Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.
Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
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.
Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.