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

Due to IRC COVID-19 policies, all IRC Interns must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. For more information, contact [email protected]. 

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 most of our internships are in person. There may be some exceptions for specific positions.

On this Page:

Internship Process

Internship Positions

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. To see a list of current internship openings, please see the position descriptions below. For specific questions, email us at [email protected]  
  2. Apply online. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
  3. Interview with the Volunteer Coordinator and Department 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
  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 20-25 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: April 15th
  2. Fall Interns: Open until positions are full
  3. Spring Interns: Open until positions are full

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.

Internship Positions

Employment and Economic Empowerment Intern

OVERVIEW:

The Employment and Economic Empowerment Intern supports Staff in assisting refugee clients secure their first jobs in the United States and guiding them towards successful integration into the American workplace. Interns will gain familiarity in cross-cultural training techniques, skills development and hiring procedures of area businesses.

Please note that this is an unpaid position.

This is an in-person position.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

REQUIREMENTS:

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 20 hrs/wk for 3 months

FALL/SPRING: Minimum 10 hrs/wk for 14 weeks

Primary availability during IRC business hours (M-F; 8:30am-5:00pm)

Preference given to applicants able to make multi-term commitment

Reports To: Katrina Martinez

 Apply Here

Education and Learning Intern

OVERVIEW:

Resettlement is at the heart of the IRC’s work with refugees. Services provided meet refugees’ basic needs for food, shelter and legal rights in the early, critical stages of the long-term resettlement process. All activities lay the foundation for clients to become self-sufficient and contribute positively to their new community. The Education and Learning Interns will assist the Education and Learning Case Manager in supporting refugee and asylee adults and children, meet their short-term and long-term education goals.

Please note that this is an unpaid position.

This is an in-person position.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Learning Objectives:

REQUIREMENTS:

Technology requirements:

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 20 hrs/wk for 3 months

FALL/SPRING: Minimum 10 hrs/wk for 14 weeks

Primary availability during IRC business hours (M-F; 8:30am-5:00pm)

Preference given to applicants able to make multi-term commitment

Reports To: Come Niyongabo, Education and Learning Case Manager

Apply here

New Roots Intern 

OVERVIEW:

The New Roots program at IRC is an initiative to support gardening, food security, nutrition, enterprise, and production within the US network of IRC offices. New Roots Tucson supports refugee food security and aids in their transition to the community through gardening, nutrition education, local food access initiatives and small business farming. We are looking for committed, inventive, hard-working, and enthusiastic individuals with interests in organic farming and community empowerment. The position works alongside a New Roots staff member on site in the gardens as well as planning in the office. The New Roots Intern would provide support in order to increase the capacity of New Roots programming at IRC in Tucson.

Please note that this position is unpaid.

This is an in-person position.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

REQUIREMENTS:

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.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:

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 20 hrs/wk for 3 months

FALL/SPRING: Minimum 10 hrs/wk for 14 weeks

Primary availability during IRC business hours (M-F; 8:30am-5:00pm)

Preference given to applicants able to make multi-term commitment

COVID-19:

To protect the health and safety of our clients, all interns must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Reports To: Julia Munson

Apply Here 

Nutrition and Food Security Education

OVERVIEW:

The Nutrition and Food Security Intern works in close coordination with Case Managers to educate newly arrived refugee families about nutrition and how to access nutritious foods in their communities.  Through home visits and field trips, the NFS Intern will implement nutrition education curriculum around meal planning, food safety, storage, and health and wellness through diet choices.  The goal of this program is to teach new families to make healthy meal choices from day one and be an active participant in their own preventative health plan. 

Please note that this position is unpaid.

This position is a hybrid of in-person and virtual work.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

REQUIREMENTS:

Technology requirements:

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 20 hrs/wk for 3 months

FALL/SPRING: Minimum 10 hrs/wk for 14 weeks

Primary availability during IRC business hours (M-F; 8:30am-5:00pm)

Preference given to applicants able to make multi-term commitment

COVID-19:

To protect the health and safety of our clients, all interns must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Reports To: Julia Munson

Apply Here

Housing and Logistics Intern  

OVERVIEW: 

The Housing and Logistics Intern works in close coordination with the Housing and Logistics Coordinator, apartment managers, and refugee families to provide pre and post arrival casework services. The intern will assist in orienting new families to the basics of apartment living as well as housing rights and responsibilities in the United States. The intern will primarily work directly with new families at their homes and in the field, but will also be expected to provide valuable support by completing office-related tasks. The applicant will gain valuable experience working with the refugee community and community partners. 

Please note that this is an unpaid position. 

This is an in-person position.  

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

REQUIREMENTS: 

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 20 hrs/wk for 3 months  

FALL/SPRING: Minimum 10 hrs/wk for 14 weeks 

Primary availability during IRC business hours (M-F; 8:30am-5:00pm) 

Preference given to applicants able to make multi-term commitment 

Reports To:  Housing and Logistics Coordinator 

Apply Here 

Survivors of Torture & Asylum-Seeking Families Intern   

OVERVIEW:

Interns will work with the Sr. Caseworker and Caseworker in providing culturally appropriate intensive case management services for clients enrolled in the Survivors of Torture or Asylum Seeking Families Program.

Please note that this is an unpaid position.

This is an in-person position.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

REQUIREMENTS:

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:

Reports To: Elissa McDavid

Apply here 

Intensive Case Management Intern 

OVERVIEW:

Upon arrival to the United States and throughout their first few years, refugees and asylees face numerous hurdles to effectively navigate the US healthcare system and accessing important community health resources. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) works one-on-one with clients to meet each of their unique health needs. This intern works in close coordination with the Intensive Case Management (ICM) team to address barriers to health and wellness for refugee and asylee clients, including those with serious medical and mental-health conditions, the elderly, LGBTI clients, single mothers, and victims of sexual and gender-based violence enrolled in the ICM program. The ICM Casework Associate will be responsible for providing comprehensive support to ICM clients to address barriers to social determinates of health and barriers towards self-sufficiency. Interns gain valuable experience working with clients and interpreters of diverse cultural backgrounds, hone skills in case noting, gain an understanding of refugees’ acute and chronic health concerns, and develop expertise in navigating the US medical system and Arizona's Medicaid.

Please note that this is an unpaid position.

This is an in-person position.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

REQUIREMENTS:

Technology requirements:

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:

Reports To: Belinda Niyonkuru

Apply here

Family & Youth Case Management Intern

OVERVIEW:

The Family and Youth Specialist will help in some of the most vital areas of refugee resettlement work. Interns assist with core services including: applying for and enrolling clients in social service programs and school enrollment, apartment set-up, airport pick-up assistance, and other case management related tasks. Interns will gain experience networking with community service providers and communicating with people of diverse cultural backgrounds.

Please note that this is an unpaid position.

This is an in-person position.

RESPONSIBILITES:

REQUIREMENTS:

Technology requirements:

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:

Reports To: Senada Kadich

Apply here 

Cultural Orientation Intern

OVERVIEW:

The IRC in Tucson’s Cultural Orientation Program is designed to provide a holistic and integrated approach to educating refugees during their first week of resettlement in the United States. The Program provides structured trainings to newly arrived refugees and asylees to familiarize them with their new environment and inform them of available services. The Cultural Orientation Intern will support Staff with logistical organization and materials preparation for these training sessions and will actively work with clients to facilitate more thorough absorption and processing of vital information.

Please note that this is an unpaid position.

This is an in-person position.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

REQUIREMENTS:

Technology requirements:

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:

Reports To: Senada Kadich

Apply here

Resettlement Assistance Intern

OVERVIEW:

Resettlement is at the heart of the IRC’s work with refugees. Services provided meet refugees’ basic needs for food, shelter and legal rights in the early, critical stages of the long-term resettlement process. All activities lay the foundation for clients to become self-sufficient and contribute positively to their new community. The Resettlement Assistance Intern will support the Resettlement Supervisor in quality assurance of files and service deliveries.

Please note that this is an unpaid position.

This is an in-person position.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

BENEFITS:

REQUIREMENTS:

Technology requirements:

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:

Reports To: Senada Kadich

Apply here 

Victim Services Intern 

OVERVIEW:

The Center for Wellbeing team provides intensive case management to survivors of torture, victims of crime, victims of human trafficking and asylum-seeking families living in Arizona. The Victim Services intern will work closely with the Caseworkers and Wellness Team to provide culturally competent, comprehensive services to refugee, foreign national, and immigrant survivors of war, violence, displacement, and trauma. In addition, they will learn how to provide trauma-informed, victim-centered, strengths-based services that promote health and safety, inspire confidence, respects choice, and assists survivors towards independence.

Please note that this position is unpaid.

In-person interns are preferred for this position, but some remote interns and/or hybrid in-person/remote interns may be accepted.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

REQUIREMENTS:

Technology requirements:

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:

Reports To: Haley Kimberlin

Apply here  

Therapeutic Services Intern 

OVERVIEW:

The Center for Wellbeing team provides intensive case management to survivors of torture, victims of crime, victims of human trafficking and asylum-seeking families living in Arizona. The Therapeutic Services intern will work closely with the Clinical Supervisor, Caseworkers, and Wellness Team to provide culturally competent, comprehensive services to refugee, foreign national, and immigrant survivors of war, violence, displacement, and trauma. In addition, they will learn how to provide trauma-informed, victim-centered, strengths-based services that promote health and safety, inspire confidence, respects choice, and assists survivors towards independence.

Please note that this position is unpaid.

In-person interns are preferred for this position, but some remote interns and/or hybrid in-person/remote interns may be accepted.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

REQUIREMENTS:

Technology requirements:

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:

Reports To: Haley Kimberlin

Apply here 

Health and Medical Advocacy Intern 

OVERVIEW:

Upon arrival to the United States and throughout their first few years, refugees and asylees face numerous hurdles to effectively navigate the US healthcare system and accessing important community health resources. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) works one-on-one with clients to meet each of their unique health needs. Health Advocate Interns play an important role in IRC's mission. The interns work in close coordination with IRC's Health Program Manager, IRC Health Team, and local healthcare providers to coordinate and advocate for the healthcare and preventative health needs of refugee/asylee clients. By arranging appointments, teaching basic preventative health measures, and networking with healthcare providers, the Health Advocate Interns gain valuable experience working with clients and interpreters of diverse cultural backgrounds, hone skills in case noting, gain an understanding of refugees’ acute and chronic health concerns, and develop expertise in navigating the US medical system and Arizona's Medicaid.

Please note that this position is unpaid.

In-person interns are preferred for this position, but some remote interns and/or hybrid in-person/remote interns may be accepted.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

REQUIREMENTS:

Technology requirements:

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:

Reports To: Lizbeth Gonzalez, Health Services Supervisor

Apply here

Health Education Intern 

OVERVIEW:

Upon arrival to the United States and throughout their first few years, refugees and asylees face numerous hurdles to effectively navigate the US healthcare system and accessing important community health resources. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) works one-on-one with clients to meet each of their unique health needs. The Health Education intern will partner with health and wellness staff to develop localized health education workshops/classes on topics related to commonly diagnosed refugee health needs, preventive health behaviors and/or health care navigation. Interns will partner with mainstream service providers for curriculum development. After which, the intern will facilitate health education workshops to IRC clients.

Please note that this is an unpaid position.

In-person interns are preferred for this position, but some remote interns and/or hybrid in-person/remote interns may be accepted.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

REQUIREMENTS:

Technology requirements:

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:

Reports To: Lizbeth Gonzalez, Health Services Supervisor

Apply here

Social Media & Online Health Content Intern

Please note that this is an unpaid position.

In-person interns are preferred for this position, but some remote interns and/or hybrid in-person/remote interns may be accepted.

SCOPE OF WORK: Contributing incisive communication and graphic design skills, the Social Media Intern will work alongside the Health Team by supporting IRC's online COVID outreach and communication efforts. The intern will develop creative ways of expanding the IRC’s presence within the Tucson community by way of creating, managing, and maintaining community facing social media pages. Learn and perfect critical marketing, public relations and administrative skills applicable in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors while contributing to meaningful social change. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

REQUIREMENTS:

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 20 hrs/wk for 3 months

FALL/SPRING: Minimum 12 hrs/wk for 4 months and and able to commit to blocks of time greater than 3 hours

Primary availability during IRC business hours (M-F; 8:30am-5:00pm)

Preference given to applicants able to make multi-semester commitment

COVID-19:

To protect the health and safety of our clients, all interns must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Reports To: Hyacinthe Mandela, COVID Outreach Coordinator

Apply Here