ICM and ECM Casework Intern

BACKGROUND:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC), established in 1933, is a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to assisting refugees and those affected by oppression or violent conflict. Providing a wide range of services, the IRC focuses on emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation, resettlement, and advocacy for vulnerable populations. Within the United States, the organization operates 28 offices that support newly arrived individuals by ensuring they have access to essential resources such as food, shelter, and clothing, while also working with refugees to help them achieve self-sufficiency.

SCOPE OF VOLUNTEER WORK:

The case management program offers essential support to new arrivals, guiding clients on their journey to self-sufficiency during their crucial first year in the U.S. This includes comprehensive assistance in health, employment, finances, DWS, education, housing, family, and community integration. As a casework intern, you will collaborate closely with experienced casework supervisors, gaining valuable insights and hands-on experience in all facets of our impactful casework program.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Shadowing a caseworker for 1 week at start of internship
• New arrival services: airport pickup, home safety orientation, grocery shopping, apply for social security card, apply for benefits at DWS, activate EBT card, lease signing, setting up utilities, office intake, furniture delivery, bus orientations, paying bills, cleaning orientation, etc.
• Core Services: ESL & public school enrollment, cultural orientation, housing applications, transportation to appointments
• Needs assessment, budgeting, service plan, home visits
• Referral and connection to community services
• Files, case notes, data entry, participation in case staffing

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Understand how state and federal policies affect services to clients.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Learn the social work interventions/models used at the agency and will practice applying social work theories/approaches to cases (strengths, empowerment, ecological, systems, etc.).

Position Logistics:

• Length of Service: Spring 2025
• Hours: 15-20 hours per week, in 4+ hour blocks
• Supervisor: Shafi Bahaduri

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 in social work OR other related fields
• Experience working with refugees/diverse populations
• Motivated, flexible and ability to work independently, prioritize, and manage time effectively
• Strong computer skill with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and work as a team member in a cross-cultural environment
• IRC orientation and background check required

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