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 Spring 2027 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:
  • Commit to both the rest of the Spring Semester 2027.
  • 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

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, 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.

This is an in-person, unpaid position in Tucson, AZ.

• RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Collaborate with staff to develop educational resources for program participants as well as community partners
  • Develop program outreach materials and content for New Roots social media.
  • Help staff with ongoing garden projects at 3+ garden sites (e.g. planting, cleaning, weeding, general site maintenance). 
  • Develop new infrastructure projects to benefit the garden sites (permaculture infrastructures, murals, accessible infrastructure, post-harvest wash station improvements, compost systems, etc.)
  • Assist with preparation and presentation of farm and garden workshops.
  • Communicate with farm and garden participants about upcoming events and to share relevant gardening and farming information.
  • Assist in securing donations of materials and technical advice to support community gardeners.
  • Track inventory of seeds, tools, and materials for the program.
  • Track program delivery and assist with analysis of program data. 
• LEARNING OUTCOMES:
  • Experience communicating with participants with varying English proficiency and literacy levels.
  • Experience working with interpreters.
  • Familiarity with Sonoran Desert agricultural seasons and best practices. 
  • Familiarity with Tucson’s local food system, including farmers, markets and food security initiatives. 
• REQUIREMENTS:
  • Experience or demonstrated interest in food issues, gardening, garden design, or food security issues, preferably in a multicultural context. 
  • Ability to communicate and work effectively as a team member in a multicultural environment. 
  • Willingness to work outside in variable weather conditions.
  • Ability to meet at garden sites, primarily in central Tucson. 
  • Ability to self-direct and communicate effectively 
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding client information 
  • Strong verbal and written skills in English 
  • Punctual and reliable 
  • 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 training.  
• CLEARANCES: 
  • Pass a HireRight internal background check and obtain a Level-One Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• COMMITMENT:
  • SUMMER: Minimum 15 hrs./wk. for 3 months 
  • FALL/SPRING: Minimum 10 hrs./wk. for 14 weeks
  • Primary availability during IRC business hours (M- F; 9 am-5:00 pm)
  • Preference given to applicants able to make a multi-term commitment

Reports To: Julia Munson, the New Roots Supervisor.

GENERAL CASE MANAGMENT INTERN:

• OVERVIEW: General Case Management Intern within the Extended Services department aides the case management team as they work to provide wrap-around services and assistance that address participants’ barriers to self-sufficiency. These barriers can include social adjustment services, interpretation, referral to internal and external services (public benefits, ESL classes, school enrollment), financial coaching, etc. Services are designed to enable refugees to obtain jobs within 90 days, serving clients as they until they obtain citizenship. 
• Please note this is an unpaid in-person position taking place out of our Tucson, AZ office.
• RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Support caseworkers to ensure clients have living essentials such as housing, food, medical care, and access to transportation, and are oriented to their new environment.
  • Conduct intake services with clients to assess needs. 
  • Provide individualized support through direct services, referrals, and advocacy. 
  • Accurately input clients' information in databases and assist with tracking and reporting as needed. 
  • Assist with field work including but not limited to housing setup, ESL enrollment, delivery of household items, application for documents including social security cards, obtaining clients signatures and assistance with medical non-emergency services as needed. 
  • Research and source new resources for clients.
  • Other duties as assigned. 
• LEARNING OUTCOMES:
  • Learn about the services that refugees are eligible for upon arrival in the U.S., including public benefits in Tucson and local resources in the Metro area. 
  • Learn about strategies for effective, holistic case management. 
  • Develop resourcefulness and problem-solving skills to work independently in different situational contexts. 
  • Learn to communicate effectively with clients across cultures.
  • Develop understanding of non-profit structure and systems.
• REQUIREMENTS:
  • Minimum Qualifications:
    • Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multicultural environment. 
    • Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multitask, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively. 
    • Ability to take initiative and work independently. 
    • Attention to detail and accuracy in work product. 
    • 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. 
    • Empathy and open-mindedness across cultural environment 
    • Must be comfortable working with the LGBTQ and Asylum Seeker community.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bi-Lingual proficiency in Spanish, Swahili, Somali, Kinyarwanda, Arabic, Dari, etc. 
  • Prior experience and interest working with refugees, immigrants, or other diverse backgrounds
• CLEARANCES: All offers are contingent on successfully passing background and criminal history checks as required by federal and state law or IRC policy.
• COMMITMENT:
  • SUMMER: Minimum 15 hrs./wk. for 3 months 
  • FALL/SPRING: Minimum 10 hrs./wk. for 14 weeks
  • Primary availability during IRC business hours (M- F; 9 am-5:00 pm)
  • Preference given to applicants able to make a multi-term commitment

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

ADULT EDUCATION INTERN:

• OVERVIEW: The IRC in Tucson seeks an intern to support our Economic Empowerment Unit by helping clients complete job training classes (JRT), digital literacy training, and Vocational English Training (VESL). Through JRT, 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. Digital literacy and VESL are supplemental courses taught to clients in the aim of removing barriers to economic self-sufficiency. The intern will assist the Employment Specialist with facilitating classes by supporting classroom activities such as mock interviews, vocabulary practice, and filling out applications. Additionally, volunteers may administer pre/post assessments to clients with the help of an interpreter. Classes and activities are scheduled between 10am-4pm Monday-Friday.

This is an in-person, unpaid position in Tucson, AZ.

• RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Support staff/volunteers in facilitating JRT curriculum, digital literacy activities, and VESL classes.
  • Coordinate attendance of classes. 
  • Conduct mock interviews and help clients fill out applications. 
  • Administer pre-post assessments with the help of an interpreter. 
  • Complete other tasks as assigned.
• LEARNING OUTCOMES:
  • Practice teaching in an English-learner classroom. 
  • Practice languages you may be learning (Kiswahili, Arabic, Kinyarwanda, etc.). 
  • Learn about the refugee resettlement process and how refugees find jobs and achieve economic self-sufficiency.
• 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. 
  • 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. 
    • 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 IRC policy.
• COMMITMENT:
  • SUMMER: Minimum 15 hrs./wk. for 3 months 
  • FALL/SPRING: Minimum 10 hrs./wk. for 14 weeks
  • Primary availability during IRC business hours (M- F; 9 am-5:00 pm)
  • Preference given to applicants able to make a multi-term commitment

Reports To: Employment specialist as assigned; Dominique De La Rosa Employment Supervisor.

YOUTH EDUCATION INTERN:

• OVERVIEW: The Youth Education Intern will support IRC Tucson’s education programming for refugee and newcomer children and families, with a primary focus on after-school academic and English-language support. The intern will assist with student and family outreach, after-school programming, tutoring, transportation, education-related information sessions, enrollment and referrals, program documentation, and coordination with schools and community partners.

  The intern will work under the supervision of Youth Education staff and will gain practical experience supporting culturally and linguistically diverse children and families in both community-based and school-related settings.

• 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:
    • Support weekly after-school programming at Ocotillo Apartments and Freedom Park Center, including academic support, homework assistance, English-language development, literacy activities, and Extensive Reading.
    • Provide individual and small-group tutoring to refugee and newcomer students, including support with reading, writing, English-language development, and other academic needs.
    • Assist with outreach to refugee and newcomer families to explain available education programs, program schedules, eligibility, enrollment procedures, transportation options, and other education-related resources.
    •  Help enroll and orient students and families participating in after-school and other Youth Education activities.
    • Assist staff in communicating with families by phone, text, or other approved methods and help coordinate participation in programs and activities.
    • Support transportation of participating children between schools, homes, Ocotillo Apartments, Freedom Park Center, and other approved program locations when needed and authorized.
    • Assist with education-related parent information sessions, orientations, workshops, and family engagement activities.
    • Support school-based tutoring or other academic assistance for refugee students when opportunities are developed in coordination with local schools and TUSD.
    • Assist staff with maintaining student attendance, reading records, program tracking, and other documentation.
    • Help prepare, organize, distribute, and maintain educational materials, books, Chromebooks, program supplies, flyers, and resources.
    • Assist with student reading-level checks, book selection, Extensive Reading tracking, incentives, and literacy activities.
    • Support outreach and coordination with schools, apartment communities, community centers, libraries, and other community partners.
    • Assist with special education activities, field trips, workshops, and other Youth Education programming as needed.
    • Participate in team meetings, training, planning, and reflection on program effectiveness and student needs.
• LEARNING OUTCOMES:    
  • Gain practical experience supporting refugee and newcomer students through tutoring, literacy, English-language learning, and after-school programming.
  • Develop skills in communicating and working effectively with culturally and linguistically diverse children and families.
  • · Build experience in family outreach, student enrollment, program coordination, and collaboration with schools and community partners.
  • · Learn how to maintain accurate program documentation, attendance records, case notes, and student tracking under staff supervision.
  • Develop professional skills in teamwork, organization, communication, problem-solving, and culturally responsive youth support.
• REQUIREMENTS:
  • Current college/university student or recent graduate in Education, English/TESOL, Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, International Studies, Public Health, Sociology, or a related field preferred.
  • Interest in working with refugee, immigrant, newcomer, and multilingual children and families.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to interact respectfully with individuals from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
  • Ability to work patiently and positively with children and adolescents with different academic and English-language proficiency levels.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain accurate records and complete assigned documentation.
  • Ability to work both independently on assigned tasks and collaboratively as part of the Education Team.
  • Basic computer skills, including email, Microsoft Office, online educational resources, and data entry.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries.
  • Willingness to support a variety of program needs, including tutoring, family outreach, program preparation, documentation, and community-based activities.
  • Availability for at least 10 hours per week, including some Wednesday and/or Thursday afternoon programming.
  • If providing client transportation: valid driver’s license and ability to meet IRC requirements for driving, background clearance, and use of IRC vehicles.
  • Preferred but not required:
    • Previous tutoring, teaching, mentoring, youth-programming, or community-service experience.
    • Experience working with English Language Learners.
    • Additional language skills relevant to IRC Tucson families are an asset but are not required.
• 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:
  • Commit to both the rest of the Spring Semester 2027.
  • Minimum 10 hrs/wk for 3 months and prefer to commit to multiple terms
  • Preference given to applicants able to make multi-term commitment
• Reports To: This position reports to the Youth Education Coordinator, Farzad Abareshi, with oversight from the Youth Education Supervisor.

VICTIM SERVICES INTERN:

• OVERVIEW: The Victim Services Intern on the Safety & Wellness Team provides intensive case management to victims of crime and victims of human trafficking living in Arizona. They will work closely with the program caseworkers and the Survivor 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:
  • Under the supervision of the Anti-Trafficking & Victim Services Supervisor and Caseworkers, interns will assist with the following:
    • Learn how to provide trauma informed and victim centered services to vulnerable refugees and immigrants that have experienced significant trauma;
    • Provide direct service to clients through one-on-one interactions (in office and home visits);
    • Provide training for the clients including cultural orientation, transportation, life skills, job readiness training, banking, budgeting classes and client rights and responsibilities;
    • Assist clients with connecting to community resources (including: food banks, libraries, shelters, etc.);
    • Coordinate individual appointment logistics with health or social providers;
    • Provide transportation for client appointments, as needed;
    • Collaborate with IRC staff and community partners to enhance activities and supplement services to clients;
    • Research other community resources and continue to expand the resource lists;
    • Document all activities in case notes and send weekly client reports;
    • Input client data in tracking systems;
    • Other relevant program support duties, as assigned.
• LEARNING OUTCOMES:
  • Develop foundational knowledge and practical skills in trauma-informed service delivery
  • Enhance their ability to communicate professionally with clients and service providers
  • Understanding systems of care and familiarize with community resources.
  • Gain practical experience in assessing client needs, facilitating referrals, and navigating systems of care..
• REQUIREMENTS:
  • Cultural competency & consideration
  • Excellent written & verbal skills
  • Proficient with Excel & other Microsoft Office applications
  • Self-starter, ability to complete projects with minimal supervision
  • Access to reliable, insured vehicle
  • Interest in public health, social work, or international studies preferred, but not required
  • Computer literacy, data base experience preferred
  • Ability to take initiative and work independently
  • Empathy and open mindedness across-cultural environment
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Must be comfortable working with the LGBTQ community and Asylum Seekers
  • Level One Fingerprint Clearance
  • Ability to pass IRC background check
• CLEARANCES: All offers are contingent on successfully passing background and criminal history checks as required by federal and state law or IRC policy.
• COMMITMENT:
  • SUMMER: Minimum 15 hrs./wk. for 3 months 
  • FALL/SPRING: Minimum 10 hrs./wk. for 12 weeks
  • Primary availability during IRC business hours (M- F; 9 am-5:00 pm)
  • Preference given to applicants able to make a multi-term commitment

Reports To: This position reports to the Survivor Services case workers and Survivor Services Supervisor Vanessa Camacho.

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 Manager, Clinical Therapist, Crisis & Safety Coordinator, and Wellness Team to provide culturally competent, comprehensive services to refugees, survivors of war, violence, displacement, and trauma. In addition, they will learn how to provide trauma-informed, survivor-centered, strength-based services that promote health and safety, inspire confidence, respects client choice, and assist survivors towards independence. 
• Please note this is an unpaid in-person position taking place out of our Tucson, AZ office.
• 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
• LEARNING OUTCOMES:
  • Apply trauma-informed, survivor-centered and strength-based approaches when working with refugees, asylum seekers and survivors of torture, crime and trafficking
  • Coordinate care through follow-up, referrals and appointment accompaniment, using Arizona’s medical, mental health and community resources
  • Practice cultural humility and work effectively with interpreters
  • Skills gained or strengthened:
    • Communication: Build rapport with clients and staff from diverse backgrounds, practice active listening and collaborate with colleagues and community partners
    • Technical: Write timely case notes, maintain confidentiality and track client progress in IRC systems
    • Professional: Manage time across office and community settings, use supervision to reflect and grow, and practice self-care to prevent burnout and vicarious trauma
• REQUIREMENTS:
  • Bachelor’s or master’s level focus on counseling or social work is strongly encouraged but is not a limiting factor for candidates 
  • Ability to communicate effectively with clinical team, clients, and staff 
  • Experience with vulnerable populations
  • 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 
  • Must be comfortable working with the LGBTQ community and Asylum Seekers
  • Level One Fingerprint Clearance
  • Ability to pass IRC background check
• CLEARANCES: All offers are contingent on successfully passing background and criminal history checks as required by federal and state law or IRC policy.
• COMMITMENT:
  • SUMMER: Minimum 15 hrs./wk. for 3 months 
  • FALL/SPRING: Minimum 10 hrs./wk. for 12 weeks
  • Primary availability during IRC business hours (M- F; 9 am-5:00 pm)
  • Preference given to applicants able to make a multi-term commitment

Reports To: This position reports to Greyson Dulaney, Clinical Therapist. 

Application Steps:

1. Get to know the IRC in Phoenix and learn more about how you can be involved. To see a list of current internship openings, please see the position descriptions above. For specific questions, email us at dakota.gouger@rescue.org  
2. Apply online. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
3. Development Coordinator will screen your application and pass them on to the Department Supervisor to schedule an interview
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.

Intern Application Deadlines

1. Summer Interns: TBD
2. Fall Interns: TBD
3. Spring Interns: January 31st