Refugee Walk-In Services Intern - Summer 2024

Requisition ID: req49196

Job Title: Refugee Walk-In Services Intern - Summer 2024

Sector: Social Work

Employment Category: Intern

Employment Type: Part-Time

Open to Expatriates: No

Location: Baltimore, MD USA

Job Description

Background
The International Rescue Committee, Inc. (IRC) helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to people forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 28 U.S cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to rebuild their lives. The IRC in Baltimore was established in 1999 and currently serves over 2,500 immigrants and refugees per year.

Scope of Work
Refugee walk-in services interns will assist IRC’s walk-in team with daily activities that help to welcome and contribute to the self-sufficiency of refugees, asylees and other humanitarian immigrants in the Baltimore metropolitan area. The walk-in team is the first point of contact for newly arrived immigrants and offers support, guidance and ongoing orientation through up to five years after arrival. Interns will work directly with individual clients and families to assist with providing walk-in services.

Reports To
Walk-In Casework Coordinator or Walk-In Caseworker

Learning Objectives
- Learn about the services that refugees, asylees and other humanitarian immigrants are eligible for upon arrival in the U.S., including public benefits in Maryland and local resources in the Baltimore metropolitan area.
- Learn about strategies for effective, holistic case management.
- Develop resourcefulness and problem-solving skills to work independently in different situational contexts. 
- Learn to communicate effectively with clients across cultures. 

Responsibilities
- Under the direction of the intern’s supervisor and as COVID-19 safety precautions allow, assist clients remotely or in-person with key services such as activating EBT cards for food stamps, applying for Social Security cards, or obtaining Maryland ID cards.
- Assist clients to coordinate transportation to medical and other required appointments.
- In coordination with the walk-in team, conduct remote, office, home or community-based orientation sessions on topics such as opening bank accounts, using EBT cards are grocery stores, or using public transportation throughout Baltimore.
- Assist with service documentation through case-notes and case file maintenance.
- Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

•Prior experience and interest working with refugees and immigrants preferred. 
•Prior experience and interest in case management or social work preferred.  
•Ability to work independently and as a team member in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment. 
•Flexible and reliable, with outstanding attention to detail.   
•Strong problem-solving skills.  
•Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.  
•Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and we-based applications (databases, Box).  
•Fluency in English required. Bilingual ability in one of the predominant languages of the local client base is desired.
•Valid driver’s license, reliable access to a vehicle with current insurance and the ability to travel regularly throughout Baltimore preferred.  
 
Position Details 
• HYBRID: Summer 2024 internships will be hybrid. This includes a combination of standard office environment, remote work, and field time within the greater Baltimore area. 
• DATES:Internships start with a required in-person orientation on Friday, May 31, 2024 (approx. 10 AM – 3 PM) at the IRC Baltimore office. Regular weekly hours start the week of June 3, 2024, and will continue through August 9, 2024 (10 total weeks).
• HOURS: Internships require a minimum of 12 hours per week for 10 weeks. Weekly schedules generally include three mornings or afternoons (i.e. 9am-1pm or 1pm-5pm), to be coordinated with each supervisor. Interns should be able to come to the office at least 1–2 days per week.
• LAPTOP: Interns will be issued an IRC laptop for the duration of the internship to perform both remote and in-office responsibilities. 
• REIMBURSEMENT: Internships with the IRC in Baltimore are unpaid. University credit may be arranged. Summer 2024 interns are eligible for per diem reimbursement at the rate of $15 per day (defined as 7.5 hours) to offset the costs of food and travel of the internship. Interns may also be reimbursed for mileage driven for any approved activities (based on round-trip mileage from the IRC office). 

Application Process
•DUE DATE: apply online at www.rescue.org/careers  by 11:59 PM ET on Friday, April 12.
•INTERVIEWS: Applicants selected for interviews will be contacted to schedule interviews. Due to the volume of applications, only applicants who are selected for interviews will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted approximately April 25-29. When possible, interviews will be conducted in-person in the Baltimore office. 
•OFFERS: Applicants who have interviewed for positions can expect to receive a decision no later than May 3, 2024. Confirmations will be due by May 17th.  

Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.