Summer Internship – Housing Casework Intern

Requisition ID: req49820

Job Title: Summer Internship-Housing Casework Intern

Sector: Social Work

Employment Category: Intern

Employment Type: Part-Time

Open to Expatriates: No

Location: Denver, CO USA

Work Arrangement: In-person

Job Description

 INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW: The Housing Casework Intern will work directly with newly arrived refugees to assess their housing needs, orient them to US housing practices, and provide individualized follow up support as clients work towards self-sufficient housing management. They will help with apartment showings and set ups to make sure housing is ready upon or shortly after arrival for Colorado’s newest refugees. They will also work with multiple IRC teams to develop a variety of client-facing housing materials.   

LOCATION: IRC Denver Office and in the Community  

COMMITMENT: 10-15 hours per week; during business hours Only 9 am – 5 pm 

RESPONSIBILITIES:  
Meet with newly arrived refugee clients to discuss their housing needs and priorities and explain IRC housing services   
Help clients review and sign apartment leases.  
Help setup utilities for clients and provide client education on bill pay  
Travel to site visits and meetings at apartment complexes   
Help with apartment set ups and ensure each home has required items  
Provide housing orientation for newly arrived refugee clients ensuring they know how to use appliances, make maintenance requests, etc  
Assist in research and development of client facing housing education materials  
Provide follow up housing support to clients, facilitating communication and education about housing as needed  

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:   
The Housing Casework Intern will develop the skills of listening for understanding and motivational interviewing as their work directly with clients. They will gain experience teaching and coaching a diverse refugee population. They will learn about navigating the housing market in Denver for the refugee population. Interns will acquire detailed knowledge about the reception and placement period for newly arrived refugees, core resettlement services provided during this time, and public benefits available for refugees and asylees.   

SUPERVISION: This position reports to the Housing Coordinator.  

This is an unpaid internship position. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available. 

TO APPLY: Interested applicants should submit an application, along with a cover letter, resume and writing sample here: https://irc-global.my.salesforce-sites.com/volunteer  
Qualified applicants will be selected for an initial phone screening with the Volunteer Coordinator.  

QUESTIONS? Email ircdenver.volunteer@rescue.org  

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.  

Qualifications

Required skills  

Organized and detail-oriented  
Some experience with renting, moving, paying bills, operating household appliances  
Some heavy lifting during housing set-ups required    
Willingness to transport clients, reliable vehicle, driver’s license, and insurance  

Preferred skills:   
Interpersonal communication, advocacy, public speaking, Microsoft Suite experience