Digital Access Intern

The IRC SLC seeks a self-starting, tech-savvy intern with cross-cultural sensitivities, troubleshooting skills, and a team mindset to support a growing program focused on digital inclusion and digital equity for refugee clients.

BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading, non-sectarian, non-profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict.  Domestically, our 26 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.

The Digital Inclusion Program operates within the IRC SLC’s Education Program and supports digital skill development for newly arrived refugees and New Americans. The program provides clients with access to technology and cultivates a set of fundamental tech skills to improve their lives and livelihoods. This includes providing initial smartphone and data plans, affordable home broadband internet access, tech mentorships, and core resettlement services with integrated digital skills.

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK: With oversight from the Digital Inclusion Coordinator, the Digital Access Intern will assist with home broadband enrollments, digital skills assessments, basic training on computer and smartphone use, and ongoing technical support for refugee clients. Digital connectivity is a critical issue for newly arrived clients and technological barriers prevent access to IRC services, such as online health, job readiness, and ESL platforms. The Digital Access Intern will provide follow-up tech support to assist the client’s participation in IRC SLC’s virtual programs. Tech support for IRC clients will primarily be conducted virtually, over online platforms. In addition to providing basic tech support, the Digital Access Intern will help keep an inventory of donated digital devices for distribution.

COMMITMENT: August 30^th 2021 – December 17^th 2021, 15 hours per week

RESPONSIBILITIES:

•Assist clients with accessing home broadband through enrollment in Comcast Internet Essentials service

•Support DI intake process and administer digital skills assessments for new arrivals

•Provide ongoing technical support to clients by troubleshooting problems remotely, with an interpreter when necessary

•Assist computer distribution and device troubleshooting in refugee homes 

•Provide virtual support for clients via Zoom or other online meeting platforms

•Other duties as assigned (front desk coverage, office support, etc.)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. The intern will gain professional experience in digital literacy programming, including best practices and approaches for implementing digital education

2. The intern will deepen understanding of program design, data tracking, and evaluation