Resettlement Intern (NJ)
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 more than 20U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home.
SCOPE OF INTERN WORK:
The new arrival 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 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 client reception services including setting up apartments for new arrivals; assisting with application & enrollment for Social Security and state ID cards & school enrollment; teaching clients how to cash checks, use public transportation; make medical appointments, etc.
- Help clients prepare and understand forms and paperwork.
- Facilitate group orientations to ensure clients understand IRC Reception & Placement Program (training provided)
- Conduct research on community resources, client outreach and follow-up
- Provide translation and interpretation when necessary.
- Ensure client success with a strong emphasis on empowerment so clients thrive in their community.
- Other related duties as assigned, including answering and directing phone calls
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Student will learn about refugee resettlement and refugee social services
- Student will develop problem solving and client services skills
- Student will learn how to manage client cases within established deadlines
REQUIREMENTS:
- Undergraduate level studies in social sciences, international relations or a related field.
- Language proficiency strongly preferred in Spanish, Arabic, Dari/Farsi, Pashto, Kiswahili
- Display sensitivity & respect to cultural & personality differences, beliefs and values of refugee clients.
- 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
- Exceptional communication skills, especially in remote environment.
- 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.
- Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy.