Internship Opportunities in Tucson

The IRC’s US offices offer a variety of internship opportunities throughout the year. Prospective interns should be currently enrolled in an educational institution or within 6 months of graduation and are required to submit an application and resume.

Internships at the International Rescue Committee in Tucson provide college students and recent graduates with opportunities to gain professional experiences and exposure to different fields. Interns learn to work in a multi-cultural environment, build professional networks within the community, and cultivate adaptability and creativity in a dynamic world. 

Please note that all of our internships are unpaid and in person at our Tucson, AZ office. There may be some exceptions for specific positions.

Current Available Internships:

SURVIVOR SERVICES INTERN:

• OVERVIEW: Survivor Services Intern on the Safety & Wellness Team provides comprehensive case management to victims of crime, victims of human trafficking, and survivors of torture living in Arizona. They will work closely with the program caseworkers in the Anti-Trafficking, Survivors of Torture, & Victim Services Team to provide culturally competent, comprehensive services to refugee, foreign national, and immigrant survivors. Additionally, they will learn how to provide trauma-informed, person-centered, strengths-based services that promote health and safety, inspire confidence, respects choice, and assists survivors towards self-determination as they become active members of their community.
• Please note this is an unpaid in-person position taking place out of our Tucson, AZ office.
• RESPONSIBILITIES:
• In this role the Intern will be:
  • Performing client check in calls
  • Working with clients in order to complete client surveys
  • Screening clients on the program's waitlist
  • Assisting case workers in supporting clients during appointments.
  • Completing case notes
  • Searching for additional resources in the Tucson area.
  • Assisting the team with additional data related tasks and documentation.
  • Affectively communicating with their Supervisor and team to complete all assigned tasks.
• REQUIREMENTS:
• Minimum Qualifications:
  • Pursuing an associates, bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in social work, anthropology/sociology, international affairs, psychology, or another similar field.
  • Strong intercultural communication skills; demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from other cultural backgrounds
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding client information
  • Punctual and reliable
  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft word programs—including word, excel and PowerPoint.
  • Driver’s license, personal vehicle, auto insurance, a clean driving record, and willingness to drive clients in personal vehicle
    • Consistent transportation and ability to transport clients as needed
  • Attention to detail and flexibility in changing tasks/based on client needs
  • Strong written and spoken skills in English required, Spanish and/or Swahili, Dari, or other languages preferred
  • Must be able to obtain a AZDES Level-One Clearance Card ($75), pass an internal background check, and register with AZDES CBC.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Database administration skills preferred but not necessary.
  • Prior experience and interest working with refugees and immigrants or knowledge in Social Work preferred but not necessary.
  • Interest in working with Survivors of Trafficking and/or Survivors of Domestic Violence
• CLEARANCES:
  • All offers are contingent on successfully passing background and criminal history checks as required by federal and state law or by IRC policy.
• COMMITMENT:
  • SUMMER: Minimum 15 hrs/wk for 3 months and prefer to commit to 3 full business days
  • FALL/SPRING: Minimum 15 hrs/wk for 4 months and prefer to commit to 2 full business days
  • Primary availability during IRC business hours (M-F; 9:00am-5:00pm) and potentially for the Saturday Food Distribution (Third Saturdays from 12 – 3:15 p.m.) if the Tuesday option is not attended.
  • Preference given to applicants able to make multi-term commitment

CLIENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT INTERN:

• OVERVIEW: The Client and Community Engagement Intern will assist the Client and Community Engagement Coordinator with key community engagement and advocacy initiatives in support of our refugee and immigrant clients. This role will learn hands-on experience in the basics of community engagement and advocacy, as well as being on the fore front of engaging with ever changing policy disproportionality impacting our clients. Through working closely with the Community Engagement & Advocacy Team the intern will support strengthening connections between clients, programs, and community partners while ensuring activities are well-coordinated, accessible, and responsive to client needs. In this work the intern will work to not only improve the lives of our clients, but also to meet the immediate needs caused by policy changes such as combatting food insecurity by assisting with food distributions. During their time with us the work performed by this role will directly assist with building the power of refugees and immigrants, as well as the organizations that served them to ensure their sustainability, while strengthening our community.
  • Please note this is an unpaid in-person position taking place out of our Tucson, AZ office.
• RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Provide direct support in public education of policy changes at engagement events through assisting with presentation prep.
  • Attend at least one Food Distribution put on by the Client and Community Engagement Coordinator (First Tuesdays from 8:30 – 11:45 a.m. or Third Saturdays from 12 – 3:15 p.m.).
  • Research local/state-wide policies changes that impact our clients directly
  • Coordinate appropriate translations for available educational resources for clients
  • Record and transcribe meeting notes
  • Help coordinate with various IRC programs to share updates about Advocacy and Engagement opportunities for clients
  • Track and report program deliverables, participation, and any other relevant client feedback
  • Coordinate in-person meetings with elected leaders, clients, and other community stakeholders
  • Other duties as assigned
• REQUIREMENTS:
  • Pursuing a Bachelors or Master’s Degree; preferably in Government, Public Policy, or related fields.
  • Strong intercultural communication skills; demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from other cultural backgrounds
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Understanding and ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding client information
  • Ability to obtain an AZDES Level-One Fingerprint Clearance card ($75)
  • Ability to pass an internal IRC HireRight background check
  • Availability to attend at least one of the Food Distributions put on by the Client and Community Engagement Coordinator each month happening on the First Tuesdays from 8:30 – 11:45 a.m. or Third Saturdays from 12 – 3:15 p.m.
  • Ability to commit to 15 hours each week.
• CLEARANCES:
  • All offers are contingent on successfully passing background and criminal history checks as required by federal and state law or by IRC policy.
• COMMITMENT:
  • SUMMER: Minimum 15 hrs/wk for 3 months and prefer to commit to 3 full business days
  • FALL/SPRING: Minimum 15 hrs/wk for 4 months and prefer to commit to 2 full business days
  • Primary availability during IRC business hours (M-F; 9:00am-5:00pm) and potentially for the Saturday Food Distribution (Third Saturdays from 12 – 3:15 p.m.) if the Tuesday option is not attended.
  • Preference given to applicants able to make multi-term commitment

JOB TRAINING AND WORK READINESS INTERN:

• OVERVIEW: The IRC in Tucson seeks an intern/volunteer to support our Economic Empowerment Unit by helping clients complete job training classes and supportive services on their path to employment. Through the Job Readiness Training (JRT) classes, refugees resettled by the IRC in Tucson receive information on finding employment in Tucson, workplace culture in the US, how to apply and interview for jobs, and rights and responsibilities in the workplace. Post graduating the class, the client is assisted with applying for jobs, attending interviews, and completing the onboarding process. The position will assist the JRT Volunteer with facilitating JRT classes by supporting classroom activities such as mock interview and will assist clients post-graduation as they continue their path to self-sufficiency. JRT class and employment services are held Monday-through-Friday during business hours.
  • Please note this is an unpaid in-person position taking place out of our Tucson, AZ office.
• RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Support the Job Readiness Training staff/volunteers in facilitating JRT curriculum.
  • Conduct mock interviews and help clients fill out applications.
  • Administer JRT pre-post assessments with the help of an interpreter.
  • Complete other tasks as assigned.
• REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be comfortable in an English-learner classroom setting; willing to patiently and clearly communicate with limited English speakers.
  • Must be patient, flexible, and creative.
  • Experience working with diverse backgrounds preferred. 
  • ESL teaching experience preferred.
  • Access to reliable personal vehicle preferred but not required.  
  • Ability to commit to 15 hours each week.
• CLEARANCES:
  • All offers are contingent on successfully passing background and criminal history checks as required by federal and state law or by IRC policy.
• COMMITMENT:
  • SUMMER: Minimum 15 hrs/wk for 3 months and prefer to commit to 3 full business days
  • FALL/SPRING: Minimum 15 hrs/wk for 4 months and prefer to commit to 2 full business days
  • Preference given to applicants able to make multi-term commitment

BENEFITS COORDINATION (CASE MANAGEMENT) INTERN:

• OVERVIEW: The Benefits Coordination (Case Management) Intern will assist the Benefits Coordination staff with completing necessary administrative work for funding and compliance purposes, while learning first hand what our clients face when applying for services and benefit programs. This role provides hands-on experience in the basics of case management, as well as tracking and managing multiple requests from clients and case managers across different departments and stages of the benefits process. During your time with us you will learn how to accurately document and organize diverse client needs throughout benefit applications, gain practical knowledge of navigating the Arizona public benefits system, develop an understanding of the challenges clients commonly face, and learn effective ways to support clients in overcoming obstacles by accessing needed services.
• Please note this is an unpaid in-person position taking place out of our Tucson, AZ office.
• RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Transcribe and accurately document case notes, actions, and tasks from the Benefits Coordinator into internal documentation systems to ensure compliance and proper recordkeeping.
  • Assist clients with completing public benefit applications.
  • Contact the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) to complete client interviews and check the status of benefit cases.
  • Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive client information.
  • Support benefits staff in coordinating and tracking client cases throughout the application process.
• REQUIREMENTS:
  • Strong attention to detail for accurately documenting client information and benefit-related needs using Computer Skills.
  • Basic organizational and time-management skills to handle tasks at different stages of the benefits process and how to navigate state phone lines.
  • Willingness to learn and navigate the Arizona public benefits system.
  • Sensitivity, empathy, and professionalism when working with clients facing complex challenges.
  • Problem-solving skills to help identify obstacles and assist clients in accessing needed benefits.
  • Ability to obtain an AZDES Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card ($72) and pass an internal IRC background check.
  • Availability for a minimum of 10 hours on two or more of the following days:
    • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday
• CLEARANCES:
  • All offers are contingent on successfully passing background and criminal history checks as required by federal and state law or by IRC policy.
• COMMITMENT:
  • SUMMER: Minimum 15 hrs/wk for 3 months and prefer to commit to 3 full business days
  • FALL/SPRING: Minimum 15 hrs/wk for 4 months and prefer to commit to 2 full business days
  • Preference given to applicants able to make multi-term commitment 

Application Steps:

This is an unpaid internship but course credit is often available.

1. Get to know the IRC in Tucson and learn more about how you can be involved. For more information around what internships are available please email us at dakota.gouger@rescue.org.
2. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, if you're interested in the above email your Resume and Cover Letter for the position you're interested in to dakota.gouger@rescue.org.
3. Screening Interview with the Development Team and then an additional final Interview with the Department Specific Employee/Supervisor
4. Receive offer and accept--conditional on background and reference checks
5. Clearance checks and criminal history disclosures
6. Apply for a Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card ($75)
7. Volunteer Coordinator will work with you and the supervisor to schedule your first day.
8. Attend an orientation and training session to learn about office policies, confidentiality, and communication guidelines. You are also expected to make all efforts to participate in ongoing training opportunities.

Commitment

The IRC expects all interns to work 15 hrs/wk for 10 weeks during Summer, and 10-15 hrs/wk for 14 weeks during Fall/Spring (when classes are in-session). All internships take place during business hours (8 am to 5pm Mon-Fri) unless otherwise noted on the position description. More stringent requirements for availability or commitment may be additionally listed for certain roles. Examples: 3 full days, must be available Mondays and Fridays from 10am-3pm. 

Interns must be at least 18 years of age, be able to pass a criminal history check, and have authorization to work.

Intern Application Deadlines

1. Summer Interns: May 2nd
2. Fall Interns: August 28th
3. Spring Interns: December 8th

Additional applications for some positions are accepted on a rolling basis. 

Students seeking to receive college course credit for their internship are advised to apply earlier.

REMOTE WORK TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS:

Interns will be required to use their own technology tools to work on virtual opportunities. IRC is not responsible for any personal device expenses such as personal smartphones, tablets, hotspots, data charges, etc.

All personal devices must:

1. Be kept current with all operating system updates and security patches,
2. Use a password or PIN with a minimum of 4 characters to log onto smartphones and tablets and 8 alpha and numeric characters for a Laptop.
3. Have lock screen set to 10 minutes or less with a password required to unlock the device
4. Configurations must be set to delete all data or lock after 10 unsuccessful attempts to enter a password or PIN. Lockout period must be no less than 30 minutes.

Additional policy details will be discussed during orientation and training.