Spring 2026: Resettlement Administrative Intern (Unpaid)
United States of America
- Organization: IRC - International Rescue Committee
- Location: United States of America
- Grade: Internship - Internship
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Occupational Groups:
- Operations and Administrations
- Human Settlements (Shelter, Housing, Land, Property)
- Closing Date: 2026-01-09
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.
IRC BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a leading organization providing relief, protection, and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression throughout the U.S. IRC in San Diego has resettled over 31,000 refugees to San Diego County over the past 50 years and provides numerous program services. In San Diego, the IRC opened its doors in 1975 and has grown to serve approximately 7,000 refugee and immigrant individuals from 115 countries of origin each year through 5 different departments.
SCOPE OF INTERN WORK: The Resettlement Administrative Intern will be instrumental in helping newly arrived refugees connect to appropriate services in San Diego via phone and email and support the Resettlement team with related administrative tasks. The Resettlement Department consists of two programs: Reception & Placement, and Afghan Newcomers Support Program. Interns will work with both programs.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Assist Caseworkers and clients by scheduling appointments with the DMV, health check-ups, legal consultations, school enrollments, etc.
Help prepare and process case files for case workers and new clients.
Assist Resettlement Caseworkers in coordinating airport pickups for newly arriving refugee families.
Help clients enroll in services.
Develop guides and learning materials for client use (examples: healthcare navigation, food banks, local community guides, etc.)
Organize long-term projects or resources that will benefit the livelihoods of refugee clients.
Provide ongoing office support for the Resettlement department including preparing digital case files, writing and emailing on behalf of clients, maintaining supplies, and welcoming guests.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES – by completing this internship, the intern will:
1. Learn about the core Services that Resettlement Agencies provide to refugees
2. Be able to develop service plans and identify the essential steps of setting up new refugee families for success in San Diego.
3. Gain familiarity with the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.
4. Learn about the refugee population in San Diego.
5. Gain an understanding of the organization and administration of an international non-profit through hands-on experience at the local office level.
REQUIREMENTS:
Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or Master’s program focused on Education, International Relations/Development, Social Work, or related field
Must be a self-starter, enthusiastic, and possess a positive attitude.
Excellent organization skills, strong communication and interpersonal skills, empathetic, and ability to effectively collaborate
Ability to use basic functions of Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office programs
English fluency required
1+ years related work or volunteer experience with a non-profit strongly preferred
A strong interest in working with a diverse, low-income population is required.
Proactive, motivated and flexible; able to remain calm and adapt within a fast-paced work environment
Language skills a plus (Farsi/Dari, Kiswahili, Arabic, or Russian strongly preferred)
Working Environment:
The Resettlement Administrative Internship is in-person at the El Cajon office.
The Office hours are scheduled Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm PST. Selected interns can choose their hours based on this window of availability.
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.
Cookies: https://careers.rescue.org/us/en/cookiesettings
US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.
Equal Opportunity Employer: 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, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.