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. Feel free to review all of our Internships for Fall 2026 below and if you're interested please apply via this Microsoft Form and email dakota.gouger@rescue.org if you have any questions.

Current Available Internships:

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.
Please note this is an unpaid in-person position taking place out of our Tucson, AZ office.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  - Work with ICM Supervisor on program-level initiatives and community engagement efforts
  - Maintain and ensure up-to-date community resource database
  - Assist in planning and coordinating team projects, such as donation drives, supply drives or community events
  - Assist with preparing resource guides and program materials
  - Work with individual case workers in supporting client services on assigned caseload
  - 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).
  - Support client calendar scheduling, including appointments and follow-ups
  - 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.
  - Attend relevant trainings and meetings at the local and national level.
  - Other duties as assigned. .
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- In this internship period, interns will develop skills in cross-cultural assessment, trauma-informed case management, community resource coordination and medial advocacy. Interns will gain experience in providing direct support to vulnerable populations and program documentation.
  - 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 required records.
  - 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.
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.
  - 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.
CLEARANCES:
- All offers are contingent on successfully passing background and criminal history checks as required by federal and state law or by IRC policy.
- Must be able to obtain a AZDES Level-One Clearance Card ($75), pass an internal background check, and register with AZDES CBC.
COMMITMENT:
- FALL: Minimum 10 hrs/wk for 3 months and prefer to commit to multiple terms
- Preference given to applicants able to make multi-term commitment

WORKFORCE COACH INTERN:

OVERVIEW: The Workforce Coach Intern supports the Economic Empowerment Unit in preparing refugee, asylee, and other eligible newcomer clients to secure and retain their first jobs in the United States. Working alongside employment specialists, the intern helps clients navigate the U.S. job market while promoting long-term economic self-sufficiency and successful workplace integration. Through direct client interaction and administrative support, interns gain practical experience in workforce development, career coaching, employer engagement, cross-cultural communication, and refugee resettlement services. Interns also develop an understanding of employment barriers faced by newcomers and contribute to creating equitable pathways to employment.
- Please note this is an unpaid in-person position taking place out of our Tucson, AZ office.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provides direct and administrative services to clients in the following areas: 
- Resume preparation; 
- Online and paper job applications; 
- Job interview coaching and practice; 
- Coordination of first day of employment, distribution of direct assistance, and other post-placement assistance; 
- Case file and social-work documentation management; 
- Research and develop job leads and resources untapped by IRC.
- Skill specific projects as assigned. 
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Practice coaching skills.
- Practice languages you may be learning (Kiswahili, Arabic, Kinyarwanda, etc.).
- Develop an in-depth understanding about the refugee resettlement process, work related immigration policy, and the pathway to self sufficiency for English language learners.
REQUIREMENTS:
- In-person office availability for a minimum of two days/15 hours Mon-Fri 9-5.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding client information  
- Strong verbal and written skills in English 
- Punctual and reliable 
- Willingness to work with people from other cultural backgrounds  
- 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: 
    - Be kept current with all operating system updates and security patches,  
    - Use a password or PIN with a minimum of 4 characters to log on  
CLEARANCES:
- All offers are contingent on successfully passing background and criminal history checks as required by federal and state law or by IRC policy. As well as obtaining an AZDES Level-One Fingerprint Clearance Card ($70).
COMMITMENT:
- FALL: Minimum 10 hrs/wk for 3 months and prefer to commit to 2 or more business days
- Preference given to applicants able to make multi-term commitment

Intern Application Deadlines

Summer Interns: May 2nd
Fall Interns: September 30th
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.

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:

Be kept current with all operating system updates and security patches,
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.
Have lock screen set to 10 minutes or less with a password required to unlock the device
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 follow up trainings via Kaya.