Refugee Housing Intern - Summer 2024

Requisition ID: req49189

Job Title: Refugee Housing 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 25 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
Securing safe, clean and affordable housing for new refugee arrivals is a critical part of the IRC’s holistic and integrated approach to resettlement. The intern will support the logistics specialist in planning and delivering essential housing program activities. This includes shopping for supplies, setting up new apartments, meeting with partners and volunteers, and conducting home visits and orientations with new clients.

Reports To
Logistics Specialist or Logistics Coordinator

Learning Objectives
- Learn about the refugee resettlement process in the U.S., and specifically in Maryland.
- Learn about the challenges and opportunities to securing safe, clean and affordable housing for new clients.
- Gain experience working in a diverse and multicultural environment.

Responsibilities
- Under the direction of the intern’s supervisor and as COVID-19 safety precautions allow, assist in preparing apartments for arrival, including shopping for household necessities, unpacking items, arranging furniture, etc.
- Support the resettlement team with long term projects such as research on in-kind donations, developing orientation materials, etc.
- Assist with in-kind donation delivery and management at the IRC office and nearby storage unit if and when in-person activities resume.
- Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Requirements
•Prior experience and/or interest working with refugees and immigrants; with volunteers; with project management. 
•Ability to work independently and as a team member in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment.
•Ability to regularly carry supplies weighing at least 20 pounds. 
•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 web-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 strongly 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.