Employment Team Intern

BACKGROUND: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) provides opportunities for refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, survivors of torture, and other immigrants to thrive in the United States. Each year, thousands of people, forced to flee violence and persecution, are welcomed by the local communities across the U.S. into the safety and freedom of America. These individuals have survived against incredible odds. The IRC works with government bodies, civil society actors, and local volunteers to help them translate their past experiences into assets that are valuable to their new communities. Since 1994, the IRC in Salt Lake City has resettled nearly 12,000 refugees—helping them rebuild their lives—and provided life-changing services to thousands more, from helping their children enroll in school, finding their first job to learning more about life in the U.S. and working to gain citizenship.

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK: As a member of the employment team, Employment Interns are responsible for assisting refugees enrolled in our Matching Grant program (to be explained through on-site training) become self-sufficient through employment. Each intern is given a secondary responsibility within the employment team with those duties ranging from teaching job training classes to helping manage appointments for refugees with the Employment Specialist and/or Resettlement Program Manager. Additional duties are assigned to interns based upon Employment Program needs, and the skills, abilities, and interests of the intern.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Each intern is given responsibility to assist clients enrolled in our early employment program

• Teach refugees how to navigate the US job system from networking, to filling out applications, to following-up and interviewing.

• Assist refugees in identifying and marketing their skills and abilities.

• Create and maintain relationships with prospective and current employers including troubleshooting problem areas related to refugee employment such as hygiene, transportation, communication, and time management.

• Support, as needed, limited office administrative roles, including front desk and office support, as outlined and appropriate within the weekly hourly commitment

• Maintain physical and electronic records of refugee employment related activities.

NOTE:

Due to ongoing COVID restrictions some activities above may be conducted remotely. However, as the office continues to open and allow more staff and clients in person, we would expect these responsibilities to be done in person.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Gain experience with United States employment law, especially in relation to refugees and asylees.

2. Learn principles of representing and advocating for clients.

3. Learn principles of case and case file management.

4. Improve resume writing, job searching, interviewing and personal skills.