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

The Economic Empowerment program assists refugees to become economically self-sufficient by assisting eligible clients in accessing public benefits, placing recently arrived refugees in their first job in the United States, and supporting longer-term clients with economic mobility via career laddering. The Summer 2026 Economic Empowerment Team Intern will interact with clients regularly helping build employment skills, reducing barriers to employment, and assisting refugees in navigating public benefits and other community resources. This position will work closely with the Economic Empowerment and Resettlement teams to ensure clients receive seamless and high-quality services.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide equal treatment to all client groups in accordance with the agency's commitment to the dignity of all persons.
  • Assist Caseworkers in gathering necessary documentation for submitting public benefits applications.
  • Transport clients to the Department of Community Based Services (DCBS) office, job interviews, and pre-employment drug screens as needed. 
  • Perform activities related to removing barriers to self-sufficiency such as helping clients secure state IDs, open bank accounts, public transportation orientation, Job Readiness Training, etc.
  • Create individualized resumes and cover letters, assist with finding job leads, and complete job applications with clients.
  • Assist clients in accessing community assistance such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), food pantries, infant and maternal resources, etc. 
  • Maintain up-to-date and accurate casefiles and case notes, and complete regular casefile review. 
  • Other duties as assigned.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

  • Intern will gain US resettlement agency experience in service provision.
  • Intern will learn how to communicate effectively across cultures including by utilizing interpreters.
  • Intern will acquire knowledge of programs and public benefits available to humanitarian immigrants.
  • Intern will gain knowledge pertaining to job development, building soft skills, and refugee and asylee right to work.
  • Intern will learn reporting requirements for resettlement agencies and how capturing this data improves services.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be a current undergraduate student, graduate student, or less than 12 months past graduation.
  • Candidates must have work authorization status in the United States (the IRC must not be represented as a sponsor or host in any application, filing, or other context for an intern).  
  • Primary availability during IRC business hours (M-F; 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM).  
     
  • Preference given to applicants able to make multi-term commitments. 
  • Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially. 
  • Strong intercultural communication skills, including demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and across language barriers. 
  • Ability to work independently and as a part of a team 
  • Previous experience working with vulnerable populations preferred but not required. 
  • Education and/or experience working in social work/social services preferred but not required.  
  • Comfortable with Microsoft Excel and willingness to learn to use new software for data entry. 
  • Adherence to IRC volunteer/intern and workplace policies 

TRAINING & GUIDANCE

In-depth training will be provided for interns to understand the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), IRC programming, and the various needs of clients accessing IRC services. Interns will receive training on IRC’s federal Reception & Placement and Matching Grant cooperative agreements and their programmatic requirements for resettlement services. Interns with client languages who could serve as an interpreter will receive guidance on policies when interpreting. Other activity-specific training will be provided as needed. Flexibility, initiative, and a desire to collaborate are essential qualities for this intern opportunity. A high level of confidentiality is required when working with IRC clients.

Please note that this is an UNPAID internship; however, IRC Louisville will provide mileage reimbursement for personal vehicle usage for client services during the internship.

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.