Refugee Support Services (RSS) Intern (Unpaid)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you’re a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

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 more than 40 countries and over 20 U.S. cities, the IRC provides resettlement, education and empowerment support to refugees and displaced people.

SCOPE OF WORK: The Refugee Support Services (RSS) Intern will work under the supervision of the RSS Caseworker to provide trauma-informed services to newcomer families to support their integration and self-sufficiency. This will include direct engagement with clients to assess their situations and develop action plans to meet the family’s needs. The Intern will also support the Caseworker to connect the client to services both within the IRC and externally in accordance with client eligibility and program requirements. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist the RSS Caseworker to conduct new client intakes to assess needs and develop and implement self-sufficiency action plans over agreed timeframes with each client.

• Assist with individualized case management support to each client through direct services, referrals, and advocacy.

• Conduct outreach calls to clients to monitor progress, understand challenges and ensure available resources are utilized.

• Assist with scheduling client appointments.

• Document all client interactions in internal database and tracking tools in accordance with program requirements.

• Assist with interpretation for the RSS Caseworker and other members of the Refugee Support Services team, as needed.

• Other related duties as assigned.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Gain hands-on experience and on-the-job training to provide direct services to a large and diverse client caseload of newcomer families.

1. Gain experience working in an office environment both virtually and in-person and participate in IRC trainings or other learning and development opportunities.

1. Learn about the IRC’s US Program and specifically the case management services offered to newcomers.

Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible to apply, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be open to serve in-person or on hybrid schedule

• Languages preferred: Haitian Creole, Spanish, Dari, Pashto, Arabic

• Accepting current or recent undergraduate or graduate students

• Some experience working with refugee populations, but not required

Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.