TITLE: Employment Intern 

LOCATION: Des Moines, IA  

START DATE: September 2024

DURATION: 10-12 weeks, Minimum of 10 hours per week.

BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading, non-sectarian, non-profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict.  Domestically, our 29 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.  

 

The Des Moines, IA office was opened in July of 2022, serving more than 200 refugees in its first year. Our operations expanded to Iowa City with our office opening in February 2024. Our employment program provides supportive, personalized services designed to deliver career assessments, job readiness training, skill development, job placement, and other related services.  

 

SCOPE OF WORK: 

The Employment Intern will work closely with the Employment Coordinator to assist eligible refugee clients in job search and preparation activities.  Other activities include supporting the delivery of Job Readiness Training, assisting in resume building, case note assistance, as well as other hands-on work to support clients in their goals towards gainful employment.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  

  • Develop, expand, and prepare Job Readiness Training curriculum and materials. 
  • Facilitate Job Readiness Training (JRT) events for new arrivals. 
  • Help maintain JRT casenote documentation and client follow up as needed. 
  • Work with Emp. Coordinator on Job Club concept and curriculum development. 
  • Gather resources in the community designed to support IRC clients with employment and career goals. 
  • Research potential employers and community partners as it relates to early employment. 
  • Assist the Employment Coordinator by creating and maintaining client case files.  
  • Develop and expand data tracking for Employment Program. 

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

  • Gain professional experience in curriculum building and expansion. 
  • Gain experience with methods and technology used to disseminate learning. 
  • Deepen understanding of the unique barriers, challenges, and assets of the refugee immigrant communities as they relate to employment. 
  • Gain exposure to interacting with diverse communities, cultures, and backgrounds. 
  • Develop skills related to building a network of connections and resources in the community. 
  • Gain basic understanding on refugee resettlement work and early employment process. 

 

REQUIREMENTS: PREFERRED SKILLS 

  • Prospective majors in global topics, public affairs, sociology, social work, anthropology, economics, or other related fields. 
  • Experience and moderate efficiency with Microsoft products. 
  • Strong written and oral communication skills including presenting to large audiences. 
  • Excellent communication and organization skills 
  • Proven ability to work with consideration and respect for cross-cultural differences. 

 

This is an unpaid internship position. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available. There is a daily reimbursement stipend for costs associated with the internship. Scholarship opportunities are available to apply for upon acceptance of the position.

 

How to apply 

Interested applicants should visit https://irc-global.my.salesforce-sites.com/volunteer to apply. Be sure to attach a current resume and cover letter.  Email [email protected] for assistance or more information. Once your application is received, a staff member may contact you for a brief interview.

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.