Refugee Cultural Orientation Intern, Summer 2024

The Cultural Orientation (CO) program is part of the IRC’s holistic and integrated approach to resettlement. Cultural orientation provides training to newly arrived refugees to foster a better understanding of their new environment and the services available to them in the Louisville area. The Summer 2024 Cultural Orientation Intern works in close coordination with the Resettlement Manager to design, develop, and deliver structured training sessions on topics such as financial management, U.S. laws, housing, transportation, safety, healthcare, and cultural adjustment in order to aid refugees on their journey towards self-sufficiency.

This is an unpaid internship position that requires a minimum commitment of 20 hours a week for at least two months.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Intern will develop an understanding of the local resources available to refugee and immigrant clients in the Louisville area.
• Intern will deepen their understanding of the unique barriers, challenges, and assets of the refugee and immigrant communities.
• Intern will gain experience in teaching, program coordination, and curriculum design.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide equal treatment to all client groups in accordance with the agency’s commitment to the dignity of all persons.
• Coordinate with staff and clients to schedule Cultural Orientation.
• Support in the facilitation of Cultural Orientation to clients.
• Schedule interpreters for Cultural Orientation classes as needed.
• Support in the administration of Cultural Orientation assessments.
• Assist resettlement staff in development of revised curriculum for Cultural Orientation.
• 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.