Youth Programming 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: 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. Over the past eight years, the Refugee Youth 
  Program at IRC NJ has developed partnerships with Union, Essex, and Hudson County public 
  schools, community-based organizations, and local colleges and universities to support the 
  positive development of refugee youth and their communities in New Jersey. The Refugee 
  Youth Program provides year-round programming working directly with refugee youth, their 
  parents and families, and their schools.  

  SCOPE OF WORK: The goal of the youth programs is to help recently arrived refugee and 
  immigrant children, and youth adapt successfully to elementary, middle, and high schools and 
  prepare for college, career, and beyond while meeting their short and long-term educational 
  needs and supporting refugee youth’s social-emotional well-being and English language 
  development.  

  RESPONSIBILITIES: The Youth Education Programs at the IRC in Elizabeth support newly arrived refugee and immigrant youth, their families, and their schools with the school adjustment process and preparation for college and beyond. Refugee Youth Program Interns will assist with a variety of support services and programs. The Youth Program Intern will assist the Youth Program Specialist with parent/student outreach, program design and implementation for afterschool programming such as Youth Mentoring, youth workshops, Empower Tutoring and Teen Service Days. Youth Program Interns will also provide related support services to youth and their families as needed.  

  Under the supervision of and with the support from the Youth Program Specialist, Interns will:  
  Provide or secure interpretation services as needed to inform students and parents about youth programming details and related information.   
  Input casenotes into IRC platforms.   
  Create and translate flyers for youth programs.  
  Translate flyers and documents needed for youth programs.  
  Assist staff in welcoming, accompanying, and supporting students at after school youth programs.  
  Participate in staff development and team meetings and workshops.  
  Under the supervision of the Youth Program Specialist, assess and monitor family needs and make appropriate referrals.  
  Complete related tasks and responsibilities assigned by the Youth Program Specialist.  

  Learning Objectives:  
  The intern will learn about refugee resettlement issues and processes.  
  The intern will develop outreach and advocacy skills.  
  The intern will develop direct client service skills.  
  The intern will develop program design and implementation skills.  
  The intern will develop culturally responsive practice skills.

 

Requirements:  
Currently pursuing a Bachelor or Master Degree in Social Work, education, public health, or related fields.  
Experience working with children and youth along with parents specifically in the context of educational and social programs.  
Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations is highly desirable.  
Fluency in a second language preferred (i.e., Spanish, Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Farsi, Kiswahili, Haitian Creole and French 
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.  
Shows empathy, patience, cooperation, and interpersonal skills while working as a team and working with clients.  
Understand the need to approach and apply case management methods with the goal of client self-sufficiency and sustainability.  
Availability to commit 15-20 hours a week in person (2 days in person).  

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. 

IRC, leading the way From Harm to Home.  

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.