Client Benefits Intern (Fall 2026- UNPAID)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of violent conflict.

About the role

The Client Benefits Intern will support the direct service teams in ensuring clients can access and maintain public benefits such as SNAP, TANF, RCA, and Medicaid. They will work through a strengths-based approach to support clients during their resettlement journey.

Responsibilities

• Attend Volunteer/Intern Orientation
• Affiliate with local governments and Departments of Social Services to maintain clients' public benefits
• Contact clients for reminders about benefit interviews, renewals, and other upcoming appointments
• Document and file Department of Social Services notices and communications
• Compile and edit local resource sheets and benefits manual for clients
• Advocate for clients' needs with benefits program staff and local governments
• Document activities in case files and provide other administrative support as appropriate
• Record hours and submit completed timesheets for each month via the IRC’s online Volunteer Dashboard

Requirements

• Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree
• Good written and verbal communications skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage clients in a counseling role
• Reliable, responsible, punctual, and professional
• Flexible and able to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Preferred - Fluency in languages spoken by clients (Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Kiswahili, French, etc.)

Professional standards

• Adhere to IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct
• Operate and enforce policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation
• Create an environment where people feel safe and promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity

Equal Opportunity Employer

The 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, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.