Announcement
Looking for a meaningful way to put your education to real-world experience? Interested in gaining hands-on professional experience in a social service setting? Become an intern with the IRC in Kansas!
How to apply:
- Review the internship opportunities listed below. Please note these internship opportunities are located in Wichita, Kansas.
- Complete an application through IRC's Career Portal. If applying for multiple positions, please indicate your order of preference. Incomplete applications (e.g. missing online application, resume or cover letter) will not be considered.
- Internship start dates: Summer internships begin June 1 or June 8; Fall internships begin August 24, although some interns start earlier or later
- Priority application deadline: Wednesday, May 12 for summer internships
- Please review the frequently asked questions below before submitting your application. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us at [email protected].
Summer & Fall 2021 Internship Positions
Please click position title to jump to full position description.
Anti-Trafficking Outreach Intern
Human Trafficking Research & Evaluation Intern
Youth Program Intern - Fall only
Communications/Social Media Intern
FAQs
How do I apply? What is the application deadline?
Can I apply for multiple internship positions?
Can I apply if I live or am going to school out of state?
Are there age or other eligibility requirements to be an intern?
What is the typical time commitment involved in an internship?
Where are internship positions located?
Can the IRC assist with relocation, housing or transportation for the purposes of my internship?
Are internship positions paid?
How do I apply? What is the application deadline?
To apply, please complete complete an application through IRC's Career Portal. If applying for multiple positions, please indicate your order of preference. Incomplete applications (e.g. missing online application, resume or cover letter) will not be considered.
Applicants will be notified if selected for an interview, which can be conducted in-person, over the phone, or via Zoom/Teams. Please note that we typically receive more applications for internships than there are available positions, so submitting an application does not guarantee placement in an internship position. Priority application deadline: Wednesday, May 12th for summer internships.
Can I apply for multiple internship positions?
Yes. If interested in multiple positions, please indicate so in your application materials. You may be required to interview for positions separately. If selected for multiple internship positions, you may choose to intern in multiple roles simultaneously (if scheduling permits) or select your first-choice position.
Can I apply if I live or am going to school out of state?
Yes. Every year we welcome talented interns from across the country! Please note that the IRC is not able to assist with relocation or housing if you are selected for an internship position.
Are there age or other eligibility requirements to be an intern?
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. To be considered for an internship, one must be a student or recent graduate enrolled in a college or university. All applicants are subject to a criminal background check and must agree to follow IRC workplace and volunteer policies. If an internship position requires driving, applicants will also be required to pass a driving background check. For specific experience and skill requirements, please see individual position descriptions.
What is the typical time commitment involved in an internship?
Interns commit to at least 2-3 or 4-6 months of service, with start dates, training dates and weekly time commitments varying by position. Select positions require a longer time commitment. All positions are part-time. Please see individual position descriptions for details.
Where are internship positions located?
Most internship positions are based at our office, located at 1530 South Oliver, Suite 270, Wichita, Kansas or surrounding areas in Sedgwick County. Please ensure you have reliable transportation to and from your internship site prior to applying.
Can the IRC assist with relocation, housing or transportation for the purposes of my internship?
Unfortunately, the IRC cannot assist with relocation to the Wichita area, or with housing/transportation costs during your internship.
Are internship positions paid?
Internships are not paid. Opportunities to earn school credit may exist depending on your school’s policies and requirements. If interested in earning school credit from your internship, please indicate so when applying.
Summer & Fall 2021 Internship Opportunities
Anti-Trafficking Outreach Intern
The Human Trafficking Outreach Intern will work alongside the Anti-Trafficking Program Manager to build and leverage community resources for client services. This will include, participating in outreach efforts in locations known to house at-risk, highly-vulnerable populations, including, but not limited to, homeless shelters, homeless encampments, Department of Corrections locations, landlords and hotel chains. In addition, intern will build relationships within hospitality, beauty and restaurant industries. This internship is a great opportunity to gain professional experience in a multi-cultural, social service setting.
LOCATION: IRC in Kansas, Wichita office
TIME COMMITMENT: For the sake of stability and continuity, the IRC asks for a minimum commitment of 3-4 months, with at least 10 hours per week.
ACTIVITIES
- Alongside the Anti-Trafficking Program Manager, conduct outreach activities in various locations in the Wichita area with the aim of building a portfolio of resources available to survivors and raising awareness of human trafficking issues within our community
- Developing and maintaining a database to capture outreach efforts and results of such
QUALIFICATIONS
• Must be enrolled in an internship program through a college or university.
• Comfortable working with diverse populations and non-English speakers.
• Previous experience working with vulnerable populations preferred, but not required.
• Experience working in social work/social services preferred, but not required.
• Possess personal vehicle and valid driver’s license.
Click here to apply for Human Trafficking Outreach Internship
Human Trafficking Research & Evaluation Intern
The Human Trafficking Research and Evaluation Intern will work alongside the Anti-Trafficking Program Manager, Research Lead, and staff and students at the University of Kansas to contribute to existing research in the field of human trafficking within Kansas, both from the point of view of prevalence, as well as service provision efficacy. The aims of the role can broadly be split in to two project areas: the development and implementation of an action research plan that will gauge the effectiveness of service delivery to clients; and working in conjunction with professors and students at the University of Kansas to synthesize current and new research and data on labor trafficking within Kansas, with the aim of identifying “hotspots” where service providers can focus their outreach efforts. The Human Trafficking Research and Evaluation Intern will work directly under the supervision and guidance of the Anti-Human Trafficking Program Coordinator.
LOCATION: IRC in Kansas, Wichita office
TIME COMMITMENT: For the sake of stability and continuity, the IRC asks for a minimum commitment of 3-4 months, with at least 15 hours per week. Position begins January 11, 2021 (negotiable)
ACTIVITIES
Project 1:
Conduct a “literature review” of existing research in the Wichita area and beyond that pertain to service provision for survivors of human trafficking;
Alongside the Anti-Trafficking Program Manager and Research Lead, develop and implement a sustainable action research plan that will capture data relevant to service delivery efficacy from a range of stakeholders, including survivors, agency partners, and community groups.
Project 2:
Synthesize and analyze data gathered from the University of Kansas’ Spring Semester colloquium, including information gained through literature reviews, service provider interviews, and Spotlight data;
Present final report on analysis of service provision for survivors of human trafficking in Kansas, with a particular emphasis on identifying underserved populations, potential labor trafficking “hotspots” and recommendations for the direction of outreach efforts.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Must be enrolled in an internship program through a college or university.
• Comfortable working with diverse populations and non-English speakers.
• Previous experience working with vulnerable populations preferred, but not required.
• Possess personal vehicle and valid driver’s license.
Training
In-depth training will be provided for interns to understand human trafficking case management programming and the various needs of clients accessing services. A high-level of confidentiality is required when working with IRC clients.
Click here to apply for Human Trafficking Research & Evluation Internship
Case Management Intern
The Case Management intern will assist refugee and immigrant clients in connecting clients to community resources, as well as establishing and developing programs, leading group classes and meeting one-on-one with clients. This internship is a great opportunity to gain professional experience in a multi-cultural, social service setting.
LOCATION: IRC in Kansas, Wichita office
TIME COMMITMENT: For the sake of stability and continuity, the IRC asks for a minimum commitment of 3-4 months, with at least 8-10 hours per week. Position begins January 11, 2021 (negotiable)
ACTIVITIES
- Assist clients in applying for and renewing benefits;
- Help clients build self-sufficiency skills, especially in the area of navigating community systems;
- Contribute to the design and implementation of psychosocial support groups for clients;
- Accompany clients to appointments and advocate on their behalf when needed;
- Contribute to curriculum designed to teach clients life skills and lead group classes;
- Complete assessments and follow-up with clients;
- Ensure all documentation and case noting is to IRC and donor compliance standards.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Must be enrolled in a formal internship program through local university
- Comfort working with diverse populations and English language learners.
- Previous experience working with refugees, asylees and other vulnerable populations preferred, but not required.
- Experience working in social work/social services preferred, but not required.
- Possess personal vehicle and valid driver’s license.
Click here to apply for Case Management Internship
Youth Program Intern
The IRC in Kansas Youth Program is focusing on preparing refugee youth who arrived within two years to succeed at their grade level in the Wichita public school system and support their social emotional well-being. Youth Program Interns are expected to collaborate with IRC Program Coordinator to design and develop youth programs, lead these programs with refugee youth and volunteers and reach out to the community to look for collaboration. The interns also help with administrative tasks.
LOCATION: IRC in Kansas, Wichita office
TIME COMMITMENT: Minimum 6 hours/week during IRC office hours (M-F, 9am-5pm). Occasional evenings and weekends required. Regular schedule required. Minimum 3 month commitment.
ACTIVITIES
- Work directly with Program Coordinator to plan and coordinate program activities;
- Lead virtual/in-person programs in accordance with program protocols;
- Assist in tracking attendance and recording activities and students’ individual progress on their goals;
- Support Youth Program event coordination including logistics, communication, and outreach;
- Help develop youth outreach materials, such as fact sheets and promotional flyers;
- Attend trainings and meetings to understand programs and IRC policies.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- The intern will deepen understanding of cultural competence and best practices related to planning and implementing evidence-based programs.
- The Intern will gain hands-on experience in classroom management, facilitating discussions, working with English language learners and implementing educational best practices.
- The Intern will gain experience working with diverse populations and better understand the challenges faced by these populations within educational settings.
- The Intern will gain experience in leading and facilitating assessments, as well as progress tracking.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Must be enrolled in an internship program through a local university.
- Comfortable working with diverse populations and English language learners.
- Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations preferred, but not required
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strength in cultural competency-building
- Possess personal vehicle and valid driver’s license
Click here to apply for Youth Program Internship
Immigration Intern
The IRC’s Immigration Program provides services to refugees, asylees and other immigrants in the Wichita area. The Immigration Intern will assist immigration staff and work one-on-one with clients applying for adjustment of status (green cards), United States citizenship, family reunification petitions and other immigration benefits. This position may be of particular interest to law students or those pursuing other immigration-related fields, although a legal background or previous immigration experience is not a requirement. This internship is a great opportunity to gain professional experience in a multi-cultural, social service setting.
LOCATION: IRC in Kansas, Wichita office
TIME COMMITMENT: Minimum 10-15 hours/week during IRC office hours (M-F, 9am-5pm). Regular schedule required. Minimum 2-3 month commitment.
ACTIVITIES
- Conduct initial eligibility assessments of potential applicants
- Assist with accurate completion of application forms for clients
- Notify clients via telephone, email or mailings about matters related to their applications
- Assist clients with additional necessary procedures, such as requests for evidence and follow-up advocacy
- Assist in outreach efforts for immigration services
- Assist Immigration staff with paperwork, record-keeping and filing
- Other administrative and general office support as needed
QUALIFICATIONS
- This internship is for undergraduate students, graduate students, or recent college graduates
- Strong intercultural communication skills; demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and across language barriers
- Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially
- Strong organizational skills, time management skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
- Comfortable working in high-stress environments; must be adaptable, flexible, and patient
- Familiarity with Windows operating system and confidence in basic computer skills (word processing, email, data entry); willingness to learn new software
- Ability to communicate effectively in English; additional fluency in one of the following languages desirable, but not required: Arabic, Burmese, Dari, Farsi, Kinyarwanda, Kiswahili, Pashto, Somali, or Urdu
- Willingness to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies
Click here to apply for Immigration Intern
Digital Literacy Intern
The IRC’s Career Development Program helps newcomers to the US develop skills and professional networks to help them achieve long-term career goals. Within this program, the IRC is starting a new pilot project: Digital Literacy for New Americans. Throughout the semester, the Digital Literacy Intern will assist with developing, piloting, and evaluating a set of digital literacy learning resources designed to help refugees and immigrants acquire digital competencies needed for workplace success. This internship is an opportunity to gain experience in curriculum development, adult education, and program evaluation.
LOCATION: IRC in Kansas, Wichita office
TIME COMMITMENT: Minimum 6-10 hours/week during IRC office hours, 2-3 days/week. Regular schedule required. 2-3 month commitment.
ACTIVITIES
- Recruit participants for Digital Literacy Pilot and work closely with Career Development Coordinator to implement and monitor initiative
- Streamline content of existing digital literacy curriculum
- Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of the pilot project
- Work with clients as they learn digital literacy skills related to job search, MS Office, online training platforms, communication, and continuous tech learning
- Organize and maintain client case files and perform other administrative duties supporting the Career Development Program, such as filing, copying, data entry, case notes, and answering phones
- Attend and assist with career-related fieldtrips
- Collect client stories to showcase benefits of career development trainings
- Assist with other Career Development Program activities as needed
QUALIFICATIONS
- Internships are open to undergraduate students, graduate students, or recent college graduates. This position may be of particular interest to people studying TESOL, education, social work, or social sciences.
- Strong inter-cultural communication skills; demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and across language barriers
- Familiarity with job search and professional development activities, such as writing resumes, filling out online job applications, interviewing for jobs, professional networking, etc.
- Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially
- Ability to communicate effectively in English; additional fluency in one of the following languages helpful, but not required: Swahili, French, Arabic, Tigrinya, Pashto, Dari
- Must be self-motivated and comfortable working with little supervision at times
- Flexibility and a positive attitude is a must
- Applicants preferred who have valid driver’s license, vehicle, auto insurance, and a clean driving record
- Willingness to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies
- Possess personal vehicle and valid driver’s license
Click here to apply for Digital Literacy Intern
Refugee Housing Intern
The Housing Intern secures and coordinates the furnishing of safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for newly arriving refugees and provides related logistical support.
LOCATION: IRC in Kansas, Wichita office
TIME COMMITMENT: Minimum 6-10 hours/week during IRC office hours, 2-3 days/week. Regular schedule required. 2-3 month commitment.
ACTIVITIES
- Identify and secure safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for newly arriving refugees in compliance with established program requirements.
- Conduct ongoing outreach to current and potential landlords and property managers, building strong working relationships with the goal of increasing access to housing for refugee families and to coordinate client home repair requests as needed. Collaborate effectively with coworkers and partner organizations to support a positive resettlement experience.
- Coordinate logistics of housing set-ups including ordering furniture and supplies and arranging delivery, arranging utility hook-ups, facilitating lease signings and renewals, arranging payments, and conducting home safety inspections.
- Deliver orientations to clients; may support other pre- and post-arrival activities such as airport pick-ups.
- Satisfy recordkeeping requirements.
- Use personal, insured vehicle and/or public transportation (where available) to travel and transport clients and materials as needed throughout the service delivery area.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Internships are open to undergraduate students, graduate students, or recent college graduates.
- Strong inter-cultural communication skills; demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and across language barriers
- Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially
- Ability to communicate effectively in English; additional fluency in one of the following languages helpful, but not required: Swahili, French, Arabic, Tigrinya, Pashto, Dari
- Must be self-motivated and comfortable working with little supervision at times
- Flexibility and a positive attitude is a must
- Applicants preferred who have valid driver’s license, vehicle, auto insurance, and a clean driving record
- Willingness to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies
Click here to apply for Refugee Housing Intern
Fundraising Intern
This internship is located within the Resource Development Department, whose purpose is to establish strong, mutually-beneficial connections between the community and the IRC in Kansas in order to garner monetary, in-kind and volunteer resources for refugee clients. The Fundraising Intern will work closely with the Development Manager towards these goals to enhance the IRC in Kansas’s ability to meet refugee client needs.
LOCATION: IRC in Kansas, Wichita office
TIME COMMITMENT: Minimum 6-10 hours/week during IRC office hours, 2-3 days/week. Regular schedule required. 2-3 month commitment.
ACTIVITIES
- Provide data collection and research including tracking all forms of funding sources;
- Draft written materials for internal and external communications and prepare mass mailings;
- Proofread and edit letters of intent and grant proposals;
- Assist with updating and maintaining IRC donor database;
- Research potential major donor prospects and assist with donor outreach and cultivation;
- Provide direct service to refugee clients as needed by the Volunteer Coordinator;
- Assist with other Resource Development needs such as donor management, external communications, and fundraising;
- Attend and actively participate in staff meetings and special staff development programs.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Internships are open to undergraduate students, graduate students, or recent college graduates.
- Strong inter-cultural communication skills; demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and across language barriers
- Effective communcation and writing skills
- Strong attention to deail
- Creativity and initiative to follow through on projects
- Ability to communicate effectively in English; additional fluency in one of the following languages helpful, but not required: Swahili, French, Arabic, Tigrinya, Pashto, Dari
- Must be self-motivated and comfortable working with little supervision at times
- Flexibility and a positive attitude is a must
- Applicants preferred who have valid driver’s license, vehicle, auto insurance, and a clean driving record
- Willingness to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies
Click here to apply for Fundraising Internship
Communications/Social Media Intern
This internship is located within the Resource Development Department, whose purpose is to establish strong, mutually-beneficial connections between the community and the IRC in Kansas in order to garner monetary, in-kind and volunteer resources for refugee clients. The Communications/Social Media Intern will work closely with the Development Manager towards these goals in order to enhance the IRC in Kansas' ability to meet refugee client needs.
LOCATION: IRC in Kansas, Wichita office
TIME COMMITMENT: Minimum 6-10 hours/week during IRC office hours, 2-3 days/week. Regular schedule required. 2-3 month commitment.
ACTIVITIES
- Provide data collection and research including tracking all forms of funding sources;
- Draft written materials for internal and external communications and prepare mass mailings;
- Draft newsletters, flyers, graphics and marketing materials
- Create content for social media channels
- Update and maintain oalition website and social media
- Support special events as needed
- Provide administrative support as needed and maintain contact databases
- Assist with other Resource Development needs such as donor management, external communications, and fundraising;
- Attend and actively participate in staff meetings and special staff development programs.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Internships are open to undergraduate students, graduate students, or recent college graduates.
- Strong inter-cultural communication skills; demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and across language barriers
- Effective communcation and writing skills
- Strong attention to deail
- Creativity and initiative to follow through on projects
- Ability to communicate effectively in English; additional fluency in one of the following languages helpful, but not required: Swahili, French, Arabic, Tigrinya, Pashto, Dari
- Must be self-motivated and comfortable working with little supervision at times
- Flexibility and a positive attitude is a must
- Applicants preferred who have valid driver’s license, vehicle, auto insurance, and a clean driving record
- Willingness to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies
Click here to apply for Communications/Social Media Intern
Financial Coaching Intern
The Financial Coaching Intern reports directly to the IRC’s Program Manager and supports efforts under IRC’s Financial Capabilities program. Financial Capabilities, a program within the Economic Empowerment Department, provides clients with the knowledge and tools needed to gain an economic foothold in the U.S. through financial literacy workshops, one-on-one financial counseling and goal setting, budget planning, tax preparation and connecting clients with community financial resources.
LOCATION: IRC in Kansas, Wichita office
TIME COMMITMENT: For the sake of stability and continuity, the IRC asks for a minimum commitment of 3-4 months, with at least 15 hours per week.
ACTIVITIES
- Work with clients to create a personal budget and provide strategies for budget improvements
- Work with clients to complete a detailed financial assessment of their household
- Assist the Financial Coach in resolving clients’ financial challenges
- Assist the Financial Coach in helping clients apply for IRC credit-building loans, education loans, and auto loans
- Make appropriate referrals to external personal finance professionals, as appropriate
- Support the IRC’s in-house tax preparation services by scheduling appointments of clients and interpreters, scheduling volunteer tax preparers, and other logistical support as needed
- Provide general administrative and clerical support, including data entry and filing
QUALIFICATIONS
- Must be enrolled in an internship program through a college or university.
- Strong interest in working with international clients
- Computer skills, including Microsoft Office programs and internet research
- Ability to work independently.
- Possess personal vehicle and valid driver’s license.
