Maternal and Child Health Internship

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a leading non-sectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection, and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict.  The Suburban Washington Refugee Center, where the IRC’s Silver Spring resettlement office is located, has resettled more than 2,000 new refugee arrivals, providing them a fresh start and opportunities to use their greatest resources—their motivation, their skills and their experiences—to become independent and self-sufficient new Americans.  Currently, the IRC Silver Spring resettles and/or provides assistance to over 700 refugees and asylees each year.

The IRC’s Public Health Program provides medical case management, health education and patient advocacy services for refugees and asylees resettled by the Suburban Washington Resettlement Center (SWRC). Significant portions of newly arrived clients are considered medically vulnerable, whose medical conditions have been compounded by living conditions overseas and are further exacerbated by systemic barriers to accessing healthcare in the U.S. The program focuses on reducing healthcare disparities for clients by facilitating their access to health care, education, resources, and psychosocial support.

Responsibilities

Support members of the health team responsible for providing complex medical case management for pregnant/post-partum clients and their families. Serve as a patient advocate by accompanying pregnant/post-partum clients to medical appointments, aiding in navigating local healthcare services, as well as assisting with reporting and coordinating necessary follow-up care  Provide one-on-one and family-centered health education to reinforce clients’ understandings of prenatal care, healthy behaviors, treatment instructions and follow-up care, as well as preparing for delivery and post-delivery in the U.S.Develop, coordinate and facilitate health promotion workshops focused on prenatal care, family planning, and well-child topicsCreate and/or adapt culturally appropriate health education materials and resource guidesConduct research and support outreach to develop partnerships with community health organizations and providersOther duties, research and special projects as assigned

Learning Objectives

Gain understanding of refugee resettlement process, client services, and US resettlement experience; Expand knowledge and understanding of the journey of refugees, asylees, and victims of traffickingDeepen awareness and understanding of health disparities within the US healthcare system; Develop an appreciation for role of cultural competence in health careExpand knowledge of patient advocacy, health empowerment and health promotion techniques; Explore, respect and appreciate cultural differences in health perspectives and health literacyGain knowledge and skills related to coordination of services for complex health care needs of refugees and asylees

Qualifications:

Must be a current student or recent graduate (within the last 6 months)*Education and/or experience in public health, international development, social work, nursing, or immigrant services; Previous reproductive health experience and/or working with pregnant women preferredExperience coordinating and facilitating adult learning preferredAccess to personal vehicle required; Comfort and confidence navigating and educating about public transportationEffective interpersonal, organizational, and writing skills; High level of professionalism with attention to detailInterest and flexibility in working in a fast-paced, multi-cultural setting Proficiency in Nepali, Arabic, Amharic, Tigrinya, Swahili, Farsi or French desirableMinimum 24hours/3days per week commitment, 9:00a.m. – 5:00p.m.Position requires minimum commitment from June - August 2013; Applicants interested in multiple semesters preferred; Current enrollment in academic program or within one year post-graduation required

*Candidates that have completed school are welcome to apply. If selected, they will be categorized as Maternal Health Volunteers. 

IRC leading the way from harm to home. 

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.

   

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