Refugee Casework Intern, Summer 2024

Requisition ID: req51011

Job Title: Refugee Casework Intern, Summer 2024

Sector: Social Work

Employment Category: Intern

Employment Type: Part-Time

Open to Expatriates: No

Location: Louisville, KY USA

Work Arrangement: In-person

Job Description

The case management program includes providing core services to new arrivals, and helping clients work towards self-sufficiency during their first five years in the U.S. in the areas of health, employment, finances, education, housing, family, and community. Under the supervision of the Caseworker, the Summer 2024 Resettlement Casework Intern will focus primarily on gaining experience in the field of resettlement, learning and implementing the core services delivered 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 20 hours a week for at least two months. 

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.

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.
  • Greeting families at the airport upon their arrival and supporting their transition into temporary or permanent housing.
  • 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.

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.
• Fluency/proficiency in English, both spoken and written, are required; proficiency in language(s) spoken by client group is desired, but not 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 personal vehicle usage for client services 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  [email protected] with the subject line “INTERNSHIP.”

OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED & SUPPORT

• Learn more about the IRC’s work at Rescue.org/Louisville
• Fight for policies that deliver real change for the people we serve: Rescue.org/take-action

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.