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 22 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our 22 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:
This year, the IRC Baltimore Regional Office will be resettling Burmese, Bhutanese and Iraqi refugees. The Resettlement Services Program is the first point of contact for newly arrived refugees and offers support, guidance and counseling though all stages of resettlement. The Case Management Team provide initial services to orient refugees to life in the U.S., including (but not limited to) securing housing, addressing medical concerns, registering children in school, applying for Social Security and Maryland ID cards, and linking refugees to our internal and mainstream services. Case managers also offer counseling in home-budgeting, crisis intervention, family counseling and other areas of social adjustment.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- The Case Management Intern will assist the Case Managers and refugees with the following tasks:
- MTA orientation (to IRC, health clinic, job, shopping centers)
- Activation of EBT cards for food stamps
- Follow-up with DFCS on public assistance issues
- Obtaining Maryland IDs for newly arrived refugees
- Assisting refugees with doctor’s appointments and researching appropriate medical providers for refugees and/or low-income families
- Registering refugee children for school
- Securing housing and furniture for newly arrived refugee families
- Providing general administrative support
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Learn core services and rights provided to refugees in their first eight months in the United States, and learn proper documentation for having provided these services.
- Develop resourcefulness and the ability to work independently within different situational contexts, ranging from regular services to emergency situations.
- Develop effective communication and cultural competency with people from a variety of cultures, education levels and backgrounds.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Reliable and flexible
- Excellent communication and writing skills
- Organized with attention to detail
- Able to work independently and under pressure in a fast-paced environment
- An interest in international and refugee issues
- Creativity and initiative to follow through on projects
- Strong desire to help people and enthusiasm for working in a multi-cultural setting
- Computer literacy – preferably with PC systems
- A car is preferred but not required. Driver’s license required for those driving.
TIME COMMITMENT:
- Summer interns are required to work at least 30 hours per week, Monday through Friday, for the entire summer. Interns who can intern full-time (40 hours a week) are strongly preferred.
- Fall and Spring interns are required to work at least 15 hours per week, Monday through Friday, for a minimum of 12 weeks in the Fall and Spring
Reports to: Case Manager
Position: Unpaid Internship
How to apply:
Please apply using our online system. http://www.rescue.org/careersYou can also prioritize your application by sending your resume, cover letter, and contact info for 2 references directly to the Volunteer Coordinator Taylor.Jenkins@Rescue.Org and with the following information listed in the cover letter:
-projected start/end date (noting that we have a 3-month minimum for our internships)
-days and number of hours of availability during the work week (for example: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9am-5pm)
-whether or not you would have access to a car in which you would be willing to drive with the refugees and asylees we serve to access social services
We look forward to reviewing your application!
IRC leading the way From Harm To Home.
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