Health Access Intern

The Health Access Intern will work closely with the IRC Refugee Service staff and the Resettlement Manager to assist clients with their health care needs.  This may include care coordination, advocacy, and transportation assistance.  The position will work in close coordination with IRC's Resettlement Manager, IRC Refugee Service Team, and local healthcare providers to coordinate and advocate for the healthcare and preventative health needs of refugee/asylee clients.

The majority of internship hours will be done in-person with some remote work.

Activities

•Conduct bus orientations to Primary Care Clinics with clients

•Serve as patient advocate, accompany clients to medical appointments, transport clients for lab work and other diagnostic testing, and report follow-up and referrals from providers

•Provide training to clients regarding pharmacy services and understanding how to access prescription and over-the-counter medications

•Schedule and coordinate medical and health appointments for clients

•Assist clients to become self-sufficient in accessing transportation to medical appointments by providing trainings and assisting with applications to special transportation services as needed

•Assist clients in ensuring medical bills have been billed to Medicaid

•Attend organizational meetings

•Case note/document client services in various databases

Learning Objectives

1.The intern will gain professional experience in case management and care coordination efforts.

2.The intern will deepen understanding of the refugee resettlement process, refugee health topics, the social determinants of health and the public health significance.

3.The intern will gain experience with navigating the U.S. Health Care System and the Medicaid Health Insurance System.

4.The intern will gain direct experience with working with people from different background than their own and will develop inter-personal and professional development skills. 

Time Commitment
For the sake of stability and continuity, the IRC asks for a minimum commitment of 3-4 months, with at least 10 hours per week.

Training
In-depth training will be provided for interns to understand  the various needs of clients accessing services. A high-level of confidentiality is required when working with IRC clients.