Refugee Support Services Intern - Unpaid/Hybrid

International Rescue Committee
United States, Texas, Dallas
Nov 08, 2024
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. SCOPE OF WORK: Refugee Support Services The IRC Dallas Social Adjustment Services Program aids refugee clients in connecting to public benefits support through applications and follow up with Texas Health and Human Services for SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, connecting refugees to healthcare providers, scheduling medical appointments, and referring clients to cultural and social adjustment services such and English Language Instruction, Digital Inclusion, Employment, and other benefits programs to aid in client self-sufficiency. RESPONSIBILITIES: The intern's primary point of contact will be the Social Adjustment Services (SAS) Supervisor Support SAS Supervisor on administrative tasks such as monitoring and evaluating client case files, implementing necessary caseworker trainings, organizing client case files and client tracking documents, gather data to support program growth, and support the development of efficiency plans to improve the overall program. Work alongside SAS staff to complete tasks within the scope of work of the Refugee Support Services mentioned above Cultural Orientations: Presents general information on relevant cultural topics that impact our refugee client's ability to be self-sufficient in the U.S. The program schedules groups of clients to come into the office, or gather on Zoom, to receive an orientation on relevant social norms and self-sufficiency-based topics. The presentation is translated into the client's primary language over issues like credit scores, safeguarding personal information, applying for public benefits, outlining other program opportunities at IRC, and answering any pressing questions families may have after the presentation. Interns can expect to assist in scheduling families in advance for their respective orientation time, ensure our translation services are scheduled for the orientation, present the orientation, write case notes, and assist with supporting tasks. Public Benefits Support/Casework: Interns have the opportunity to take on a family case and aide caseworkers and clients with public benefit support, health resource support including scheduling appointments, and social and cultural adjustment services via referrals to internal or external community resources. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Intern will have the opportunity to gain greater insight into the extended case management resettlement process for refugees in the Dallas area. IRC places a strong focus on hiring from our intern pool- if you are eager to break into international relations or political science, or are looking for nonprofit experience, this internship is for you! Minimum Qualifications:REQUIREMENTS: Eager to work with refugee community Must work at least 15 hours per week during the 8:30 am - 4:30 pm work week Come in the office 2-3 days out of the week Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially Comfortable with Microsoft Office applications and willingness to learn to use software for data entry Strong intercultural and professional communication skills, including demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and across language barriers Check with your school's Internship Coordinator BEFORE accepting the hiring offer to determine if this position satisfies the criteria for receiving academic credit. 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. Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.