Economic Empowerment Intern (Unpaid)

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 more than 40 countries and in 28 U.S. cities, the IRC provides resettlement, education, and empowerment support to refugees and displaced people.

Scope of Intern Work

The Economic Empowerment Intern is a position to support the Economic Empowerment Department with workforce development and career development programs. As an intern, you will support IRC clients in attaining self-sufficiency through employment. This entails case management support related to employment, employer outreach, job search, job placement, and career services.

Responsibilities

• Support the Workforce Development Team with tasks related to employment services and case management support, specifically related to workforce development.
• Conduct one-on-one meetings with clients to set goals for employment or education needs.
• Aid clients in developing resumes, cover letters, and interview preparation.
• Track client meetings and progress in case notes and spreadsheets.
• Research employment and vocational training opportunities in NJ.
• Gain an understanding of IRC services to refer clients to.
• Research other direct assistance programs to refer clients based on public service needs.
• Communicate effectively with clients in person and via telephone.
• Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy.
• Ability to work with clients from multiple backgrounds with varying English skills.

Learning Objectives

• Learn how to effectively build partnerships with employers and broader career development resources such as certification programs, advanced ESL courses, and job training.
• Provide direct services to immigrant and refugee populations.
• Manage and record client data, meeting notes, and contact referrals.

Requirements

• Bilingual ability required: preferably in Spanish or Haitian Creole. Arabic, Dari/Farsi, and/or Pashto also considered.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; will consider a college student.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Prior experience in the field of job development or job readiness programming.
• Experience working with immigrants or refugees in a social service setting.

Benefits

In the US, IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits including: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plan with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.