Housing Assistant Intern

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.

SCOPE OF VOLUNTEER WORK:

The housing team within the IRC provides critical support to newly arrived refugees by finding and securing homes for clients, moving living materials into the house/apartment, negotiating with landlords, and providing much-needed information about housing rules and regulations in the United States. The housing intern will participate in each of these areas and increase the capacity of the team overall.

COMMITMENT:

10-20 hours/week, January 13th – April 25th

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide services to new arrivals: lease signing, setting up utilities, food delivery, home safety and cleaning orientation.
• Work with volunteers to deliver furniture and supplies into a unit, set up the unit, and coordinate transportation for newly arrived refugee clients
• Support the housing team with their search for affordable housing in Salt Lake County
• Help build and manage internal systems, write case notes, work on case file management, fill out applications, etc.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Intern will gain a deeper understanding of the affordable housing landscape in Salt Lake County and barriers to accessing affordable housing.
• Intern will gain a better understanding of tenant/landlord relationships, including navigating lease term agreements.
• Intern will gain experience in refugee resettlement logistics, including understanding requirements for refugee housing setups and community inputs required to accomplish setups.

Minimum Qualifications:

REQUIREMENTS:

• 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
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable access to an insured vehicle.
• Ability to lift heavy items and stand for a long period of time throughout the day.
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
• Motivated and flexible. Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Ability to communicate and work as a team member in a cross-cultural environment.
• Organized and attention to detail.

This is an unpaid volunteer position. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available.