Refugee Employment Advocate Intern

Refugee Employment Advocate Intern

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: Employment is an essential element in helping refugees become economically self-sufficient. The Match Grant team works closely with Case Managers as part of the Resettlement Services team to support all aspects of clients' employment. This position involves employer outreach as well as direct service with refugees .All tasks are performed in a fast-paced environment while maintaining professional standards and agreement to adhere to best practices regarding the employment program and client confidentiality.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Assist clients with filling out job applications, resume development, job search techniques and assist with  conducting pre-employment trainingsAccompany clients to job interviews, employment orientations and assist with the completion of new hire paperworkTeach clients how to use public transportation to get to their new job and homeResearch potential employers as well as initiate and maintain relationships with new employersResearch job training programs and job possibilities for IRC clients
• Assist Match Grant team with organization of client  files
• Assist with developing employment workshops, i.e. career advancementOther duties as determined by the Match Grant Team and Match Grant Intern

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Student will learn how to effectively identify potential partnerships and initiate contact with new employers.Student will successfully facilitate each of the four workshops created for new enrollees.Student will understand the resettlement process and how the Match Grant team impacts the road towards self sufficiency

REQUIREMENTS:

Excellent communication and writing skillsOrganized with attention to detailAbility to work independently, self-started and self-motivated Strong desire to assist clients from multicultural populationsAn interest in international affairs and refugee issuesStudent working towards a Bachelor’s degree or subsequent life experienceSome knowledge of the following languages a plus {but not required}: Burmese, Arabic, Nepali, and Tigrinya. Ability to transport clients via personal vehicle is a strong plus

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:                          Employment Specialists of the Match Grant team

Position:                               Unpaid Internship

Updated:             7/19/13

Please apply using our online system.  You can also prioritize your application by sending your resume, cover letter, and contact info for 2 references directly to kafiya.ismail@rescue.org with the following information listed in the cover letter:

-internship(s) for which you wish to be considered (please provide a ranking of desired internships if you wish to be considered for multiple opportunities) 

-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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