Refugee Employment Coordination Intern – Summer 2024

BACKGROUND:  The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our 26 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 WORK:  The TANF Employment Services Program is designed to enable employable humanitarian immigrants receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to achieve economic self-sufficiency through engagement in Department of Social Services (DSS) mandated work participation activities including employment seeking assistance, volunteering, internship procurement, vocational English as a second language classes and referrals to certificate-bearing professional development courses. The program specializes in providing holistic services to large families to reduce barriers to employment and help the families achieve their goals of becoming self-sufficient. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Consolidate and organize client service delivery data into appropriate spreadsheets and databases.
• Process and submit client time sheets and related documents to the local DSS to ensure compliance with their family’s TANF benefits case.
• Conduct individual trainings with clients on understanding and maintaining compliance with public benefits systems in the United States.
• Counsel TANF families on available services and activities that will reduce initial barriers outlined and help achieve their goals.
• Assist in the coordination of Vocational English as a Second Language classes.
• Facilitate and conduct client orientations at volunteer sites to train clients on conducting volunteer tasks with community partners.
• Other duties as identified by program coordinator.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

• Intern will become well versed in administrative requirements and regulations, including with government partners.
• Intern will learn to communicate effectively with clients across cultures and with interpreters.
• Intern will be taught individual coaching techniques to engage and empower adults.
• Intern will gain US resettlement agency experience, including knowledge on available programs for humanitarian immigrants.
• Intern will learn how to network through fostering new community partnerships and managing existing partnerships.