*Please note: this is an unpaid internship*

IRC BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading organization providing relief, protection, and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression throughout the U.S. IRC in San Diego has resettled over 31,000 refugees to San Diego County over the past 48 years and provides numerous program services. In San Diego, the IRC opened its doors in 1975 and has grown to serve approximately 7,000 refugee and immigrant individuals from 115 countries of origin each year through 5 different departments. 

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK: The Resettlement Administrative Intern will be instrumental in helping newly arrived refugees connect to appropriate services in San Diego via phone and email and support the Resettlement team with related administrative tasks. The Resettlement Department consists of two programs; Reception & Placement, and Afghan Integration Resettlement Services. Interns will work with both programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Assist Resettlement Caseworkers and clients by scheduling appointments with the DMV, health check-ups, legal consultations, school enrollments, etc.

• Help prepare and process casefiles for caseworkers and new clients.

• Assist Resettlement Caseworkers in coordinating airport pickups for newly arriving refugee families. 

• Help clients enroll in services.

• Develop guides and learning materials for client use (examples: healthcare navigation, food banks, local community guides, etc.)

• Organize long-term projects or resources that will benefit the livelihoods of refugee clients.

• Provide ongoing office support for the Resettlement department including preparing case files, writing and emailing on behalf of clients, maintaining supplies, and welcoming guests.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES – by completing this internship, the intern will:

1. Learn about the core Services that Resettlement Agencies provide to refugees.

1. Be able to develop service plans and identify the essential steps of setting up new refugee families for success in San Diego.  

1. Gain familiarity with the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.

1. Learn about the refugee population in San Diego.

1. Gain an understanding of the organization and administration of an international non-profit though hands-on experience at the local office level.

REQUIREMENTS: 

• Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or Master’s program focused on Education, International Relations/Development, Social Work, or related field

• Must be a self-starter, enthusiastic, and possess a positive attitude.   

• Excellent organization skills, strong communication and interpersonal skills, empathetic, and ability to effectively collaborate

• Ability to use basic functions of Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office programs 

• English fluency required

• 1+ years related work or volunteer experience with a non-profit strongly preferred

• A strong interest in working with a diverse, low-income population is required.

• Proactive, motivated and flexible; able to remain calm and adapt within a fast-paced work environment

• Language skills a plus (Farsi/Dari, Kiswahili, Arabic, or Russian strongly preferred)

This position reports to Resettlement Program Supervisor.

Compensation: This is an unpaid internship opportunity.

Working Environment: