Public Benefits Intern (Unpaid)

OVERVIEW:

The Public Benefits intern will support the Cash Assistance Coordinator to ensure that clients are accessing appropriate benefits available to them in a timely manner. Public benefits managed by the Cash Assistance team include Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) programs. This position allows interns to work closely with refugee clients as they navigate the Department of Economic Security in Arizona. This is an ideal internship for those who are interested in public policy or related humanity fields.

Please note that this is an unpaid position.

This is an in-person position.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides direct and administrative services to clients in the following areas:
  • Complete cash assistance application steps with clients.
  • Assist clients to monitor the approval of benefits.
  • Complete EBT orientations, and teach clients how to use their EBT cards to withdraw their cash assistance.

oGeneral administrative support for Refugee Cash Assistance Coordinator

• Skill specific projects as assigned by Program Coordinator.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of employer expectations, job retention, and job search techniques
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding client information 
• Strong verbal and written skills in English
• Punctual and reliable
• Strong intercultural communication skills; demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from other cultural backgrounds 
• Driver’s license, personal vehicle, auto insurance, a clean driving record, and willingness to drive clients in personal vehicle
• Technology requirements:
  • Interns will be required to use their own technology tools to work on virtual opportunities.
  • IRC is not responsible for any personal device expenses such as personal smartphones, tablets, hotspots, data charges, etc.
  • All personal devices must:
    • Be kept current with all operating system updates and security patches,
    • Use a password or PIN with a minimum of 4 characters to log onto smartphones and tablets and 8 alpha and numeric characters for a laptop.
    • Have lock screen set to 10 minutes or less with a password required to unlock the device
    • Configurations must be set to delete all data or lock after 10 unsuccessful attempts to enter a password or PIN. Lockout period must be no less than 30 minutes.
  • Additional policy details will be discussed during orientation and training.

CLEARANCES:

All offers are contingent on successfully passing background and criminal history checks as required by federal and state law or by IRC policy.

COMMITMENT:

• SUMMER: Minimum 15 hrs/wk for 3 months
• FALL/SPRING: Minimum 15 hrs/wk for 14 weeks
• Primary availability during IRC business hours (M-F; 9:00am-5:00pm)
• Preference given to applicants able to make multi-term commitment

Reports To: Dax Shtraus