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TITLE: Resettlement Casework Intern
Start Date: Summer 2024
Duration: 10 weeks; May-August 2024
Compensation: Paid Internship
Location: Elizabeth
Hiring decisions for IRC's Summer 2024 Paid Internship opportunities will be made by 4/30/24. If you are applying or have applied after Friday 4/19/24, we cannot guarantee that you will be considered as a candidate.
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.
SCOPE OF VOLUNTEER WORK: The Resettlement Casework Intern will assist case management staff in providing reception and placement services to newly arrived refugees as they adjust to their new lives in the US. (S)he will play a key role in helping refugee families access needed benefits and services within their first month to six months in the United States. The intern will also perform a series of clerical and administrative duties to ensure client files are kept up to date.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist casework staff with reception services to clients, including setting up apartments for new arrivals; assisting clients with application for Social Security and state ID cards; teaching clients how to cash checks and use public transportation; accompanying clients to medical appointments, grocery shopping, and school enrollment.
- Help clients prepare and understand forms and paperwork.
- Facilitate group orientations to ensure clients have a good understanding of the Reception and Placement (R&P) program - (IRC will provide training to volunteer)
- Assist staff with sorting and filing of documents and case files.
- Ensure client success with a strong emphasis on empowerment through high quality service that supports clients to thrive in their community.
- Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy.
- Display sensitivity to cultural and personality differences of refugee clients. Respect their beliefs and values.
- Perform reception duties such as greeting visitors to the office and connecting them to appropriate staff.
- Other related duties as assigned, including answering and directing incoming phone calls.
- Provide translation and interpretation when necessary
Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible to apply, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Current NJ undergraduate student
- Current NJ Graduate student
- Recent NJ College Graduate: must have graduated less than one year prior to start of the internship experience (May 2023-May 2024 graduates)
- A current undergraduate student who is a permanent NJ resident-these candidates will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for eligibility and there will be a limited amount of funding allotted for students meeting this criteria.
- Selected interns are required to serve for 10 weeks between May to August 2024
Qualifications:
- Languages desired but not required: French, Spanish, Arabic, Dari/Farsi, Pashto, Kiswahili or Kinyarwanda.
- Strong desire to help refugees rebuild their lives in New Jersey.
- Ability to work independently and with high attention to detail.
- Competency in Microsoft Office, data tracking, and file management.
- Excellent attention to detail and effective communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
- Patience, understanding, flexibility, and an unceasingly positive attitude.
- Willing to learn about IRC history, philosophy, global work, and local efforts.
- Willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies.
- Able to transport clients locally by public transportation. Transporting clients by car is a plus.
- Ability to work independently and with high attention to detail.
This position reports to the Casework Supervisor.
IRC leading the way From Harm to Home.
Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.