Refugee Resettlement Intern - Summer 2023

BACKGROUND

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 28 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our 28 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Refugee Resettlement team supports refugees during their first eight months in the United States. The housing team prepares their apartment. Caseworkers connect refugees with services include providing monthly cash assistance, ensuring that clients apply for public benefits such Medicaid, food stamps, social security and enroll in health insurance and ESL classes. And the cultural orientation team introduce refugees to U.S. customs and systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with managing clients’ cases and providing orientation to IRC services.
  
• Guide clients through appointments and applications including but not limited to: medical and immunization appointments, ESL class and school enrollments, and applications for Social Security cards, State IDs and Medicaid.
• Conduct public transportation orientation with clients.
• Furnish apartments and transport donations.
• Facilitate Cultural Orientation sessions in a classroom or remote, video-conference setting

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Intern will gain experience interacting with and assisting refugee clients.
• Intern will acquire detailed knowledge of programs and public benefits available for refugees and asylees during their resettlement period.
• Intern will learn reporting requirements for resettlement agencies and how to capture data to improve services.