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.

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 VolunteerTucson@rescue.org
  2. Apply online. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
  3. 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
  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: 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

Refugee Cash Assistance Intern

OVERVIEW: 

The Refugee Cash Assistance intern will support the Cash Assistance Coordinator to ensure that clients are accessing appropriate benefits available to them in a timely manner. Public benefits managed by the Cash Assistance team include Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) programs. This position allows interns to work closely with refugee clients as they navigate the Department of Economic Security in Arizona. This is an ideal internship for those who are interested in public policy or related humanity fields. 

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: Dax Shtraus 

Apply Here.

Intensive Case Management Intern

OVERVIEW:
The Intensive Case Management (ICM) Caseworker will address barriers to safety and wellness for especially vulnerable refugees, asylees, and other ORR-eligible populations. The ICM caseworker will be expected to provide strengths-based, client-centered case management to single-headed refugee households; survivors of domestic violence and gender-based violence; older refugees; youth and young adults without parents or permanent guardians; refugees experiencing mental health or psychological difficulties; refugees with physical disabilities or medical conditions; unanticipated refugee arrivals and secondary migrants; and refugees who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ). They work closely with clients, colleagues, and external parties to develop service plans to meet individual client needs and preferences utilizing a broad range of financial, medical, social, vocational, and other services and resources in accordance with client eligibility and program requirements. 


RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Assist clients in navigating healthcare and social service systems, which may include helping clients apply for benefits and attend and schedule appointments.

• Provide clients with extended orientation on a variety of topics such as women’s health, navigating transportation systems, and navigating physical healthcare systems at the local level. 

• Maintain up-to-date documentation in client’s case file to ensure services are properly documented throughout the client’s service period; document all services provided in IRC’s database, Efforts to Outcomes (ETO). 

• Attend relevant trainings and meetings at the local and national level. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

REQUIREMENTS:


Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, or related field of study preferred.


Work Experience: 
- Case management experience with similar populations and/or client needs preferred.


Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:
- Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships.
- Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
- Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to prioritize and manage time effectively. • Attention to detail and accuracy in work product.
- Fluent in English required, both spoken and written; proficiency in language(s) spoken by client group preferred, including Dari/Pashto. • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research, and problem-solving purposes.
- Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle. 

LEARNING OUTCOMES: 


This internship provides case management, care coordination, and advocacy experience in a community agency setting. Under direction of a supervisor, interns get practice in cross-cultural assessment, outreach, resource provision, documentation, in-service training, and data collection.
- Knowledge of the role of racial, ethnic, and cultural heritage; nationality; socioeconomic status; family structure; age; gender; sexual orientation; religious and spiritual beliefs occupation physical and mental status and equity issues in a community social work setting.
- Understand the roles of community social workers and the relationship between social workers and other professionals in a community agency setting.
- Demonstrate an understanding of ethical and legal considerations specifically related to the practice of community social work and engage in appropriate ethical behavior.
- Understand and demonstrate basic and advanced helping skills with a variety of clients with diverse cultural backgrounds, presenting problems and trauma.
- Prepare and maintain records required.
- Learn to use individual supervision effectively. 
- Learn critical thinking and organization skills.
- Learn problem solving and advocacy skills on behalf of clients. 
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate and collaborate with various professionals and stakeholders. 

This is an unpaid internship, must commit at least 15 hours a week for 4 months (August - December) minimum with working hours between Monday to Friday 8am-5pm. This position reports to ICM supervisor and Safety & Wellness Manager. IRC leading the way from harm to home. 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. 

Apply Here.

Resettlement Supplemental Services 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 Supplemental Services Intern will support the Resettlement Supervisor in the quality assurance of files and service deliveries.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

BENEFITS:

 

REQUIREMENTS:

 

CLEARANCES: 

All offers are contingent on successfully passing background and criminal history checks as required by federal and state law or IRC policy.

 

COMMITMENT:

Reports To: Caseworker as assigned; Josepha Ntakirutimana, RSS Supervisor.

Apply Here.

 

New Roots Education and Outreach 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, 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 virtually and in the office. The New Roots Education & Outreach Intern will work closely with the New Roots Education & Outreach Specialist to develop educational resources for both clients and community partners. The New Roots Education & Outreach Intern will also assist in developing program outreach materials and content for the @newrootstucson Instagram page. The New Roots Education & Outreach Intern would provide support to increase the capacity of New Roots programming at IRC in Tucson. 

 

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: Julia Munson, New Roots Supervisor

Apply Here.

 

Operations and Supply Chain Intern

OVERVIEW:

The Operations and Supply Chain Intern supports Staff in managing inventory and logistics, as well as administrative duties as assigned. Interns will gain familiarity with organizing, collecting, tracking, and disbursing purchased and in-kind resources to refugee and immigrant populations resettled by the IRC. They will assist Staff in maintaining storage space, support procurement efforts, and satisfy recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

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: Mckenna Armstrong, Operations Manager

Apply Here.

 

Housing Support Intern

OVERVIEW:

The Housing Support Intern works in close coordination with the Case Management team, apartment managers, HUD case workers, and refugee families to provide post arrival casework services. They assist in helping recently arrived refugees or individuals that qualify in applying for government housing or government housing subsidies. The intern also works with the Casework Supervisor to diversify housing opportunities for refugee families, gaining valuable experience working with the refugee community and community partners.

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. Ability to obtain an Arizona Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card.

COMMITMENT:

Reports To: Ajmeer Safi, Resettlement Supervisor

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. 

 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: Esmatullah Qurreshi, Afghan Health Program Coordinator

Apply Here.

 

Survivor Services Intern

OVERVIEW:

The Survivor Services Intern will be assisting the Survivor Services Team within the Safety and Wellness Department at the International Rescue Committee. The Survivor Services Team provides comprehensive case management services to victims of crime, survivors of torture and Afghan survivors of combat. Clients served include asylum-seekers, asylees, refugees, and other immigrants. Services provided to clients include legal, medical, mental health, employment, and other interpersonal/social services.

Please note that this is an unpaid position in person at our Tucson Arizona office for the Fall 2025 Semester. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Survivor Services Intern would be working directly with casework staff in following-up on client needs and assisting in performing case management services, at the discretion of the caseworker.

Tips to Consider:

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Survivor Services Intern would learn basic components of case management services, including trauma-informed care, psychological first-aid, and other skills to provide appropriate services to clients.

REQUIREMENTS: Pursuing an associates, bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in social work, anthropology/sociology, international affairs, psychology, or another similar field. 

This position reports to the Safety & Wellness Supervisor

Apply Here.

 

Job Readiness Training Intern

OVERVIEW:

The IRC in Tucson seeks an intern to support our Economic Empowerment Unit by helping clients complete job training classes. 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. The intern will assist the JRT Volunteer with facilitating JRT classes by supporting classroom activities such as mock interviews and filling out applications. Additionally, volunteers may administer the JRT pre/post assessment to clients with the help of an interpreter. JRT class is held Monday-through-Friday from 1-3pm.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

REQUIREMENTS:

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:

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:Cameron Margules-Rodriguez, Employment Specialist

Apply Here. 

 

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 in person at our Tucson Arizona office for the Fall 2025 Semester. 

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: Employment Supervisor and Employment Specialist as assigned

Apply Here. 

 

Therapeutic Services Intern

OVERVIEW:

The Safety & Wellness team provides intensive case management to refugees, 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 Managers, 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, interns will learn how to provide trauma-informed, victim-centered, strengths-based services that promote health and safety, inspire confidence, respects client choice, and assists survivors towards independence.

Please note that this position is unpaid but can fulfill MSW program school requirements.  Interns for this position are required to have some in-person availability; the position is hybrid in person/remote.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

·       Provides support for workshops including session planning, logistical preparation, and co-facilitation

·       Provides follow up with clients for continued care coordination

·       Refer clients to community resources and other case management duties 

·       Accompanying clients to appointments—including medical, mental health intake appointments, and other appointments and services

·       Arrange for interpreters for individual and group sessions where needed

·       Transport clients using your own vehicle when needed

·       Complete and maintain required clinical documentation in a timely manner

·       Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment

·       Attend individual supervision and/or group supervision if needed

·       Commit to at least 15 hours per week for the duration of the internship

·       Perform additional job-related duties and responsibilities as requested

·       Work in both a standard office environment and community-based environment

·       MSW students will have additional duties, such as conducting one-on-one therapeutic curriculum with clients and/or conducting mental health assessments with clients under supervision

·       Conduct client satisfaction surveys to evaluate IRC’s therapeutic services program

REQUIREMENTS:

·       Must be enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s-level program focusing on counseling or social work 

·       Ability to communicate effectively with clinical team, clients, and staff

·       Experience with vulnerable populations preferred, in particular psychological trauma due to war, displacement, violence, and persecution

·       Desire to work with an ethnically diverse international population in innovative ways

·       Ability to work effectively with partners, colleagues, and clients in a cross-cultural, team-based environment

·       Ability to present oneself in an appropriately personable and professional manner to clients and staff

·       Ability to be both consistent and flexible as circumstances warrant

·       Ability to receive and utilize constructive feedback regarding performance, presentation and relationships with others

·       Strong written and verbal communication skills

·       Strong computer skills

·       Proficiency in a second language spoken by the client base strongly preferred but not required

·       Experience utilizing interpreters (in-person or via phone) preferred 

·       A positive attitude and a desire to learn and adapt traditional clinical skills to meet the needs of a diverse client base

·       Driver’s license, personal vehicle, auto insurance, a clean driving record, and willingness to drive clients in personal vehicle

·       Technology requirements:

·       Additional policy details will be discussed during orientation and training.

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:

·       Minimum 15 hrs/wk for 3 months (commitment of one academic year strongly preferred)

·       Primary availability during IRC business hours (M-F; 9am-5:00pm)

·       Preference given to applicants able to make multi-term commitment.

Reports To: Mekala Pavlin, LCSW 

Apply Here.