Job Title: Economic Empowerment Intern

Sector: Social Work

Employment Category: Intern

Employment Type: Part-Time

Compensation: USD 0.00 - 0.00 Hourly

Location: Louisville, KY - RAI USA; remote option available

Duration: 4-6months; applications accepted on a rolling basis

Reports to: Employment Coordinator (Resettlement)

Coordinates with: Resettlement

Department: Reception & Placement (R&P)

Time Commitment: 

· SUMMER (June, July, August): Minimum 20 hours/week for 3 months
· FALL/SPRING: Minimum 14 hours/week
· Primary availability during IRC business hours (M-F; 9:00 am - 5:00pm) 
· Preference given to applicants able to make multi-term commitment 

Language Fluencies Desired: Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Burmese, French, Dari, Pashto, Spanish

BACKGROUND  
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 28 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and that they are connected to community support systems. The IRC works with refugees, immigrants, and survivors of trafficking to help them gain self-sufficiency.

DESCRIPTION

The Economic Empowerment Intern assists IRC Louisville clients in achieving self-sufficiency through support in the resume, pre-application, and interview stages of securing jobs. This position works closely with the Employment Coordinator to ensure clients receive seamless and high-quality services and that IRC Louisville meets Matching Grant program requirements. The Economic Empowerment Intern interacts with clients regularly, helps build employment skills, and helps refugees navigate community resources to achieve self-sufficiency.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide equal treatment to all client groups in accordance with the agency's commitment to the dignity of all persons
  • Provide employment services directly to clients and serve as an advocate for clients 
  • Work one-on-one with clients to assist with resume creation, job application, and job search, and assist with client case notes 
  • Help teach job readiness curriculum and resume writing with more advanced English-speaking clients via virtual meetings
  • Track client self-sufficiency outcomes and works with the Community Engagement Coordinator to connect clients with volunteers/mentor teams and help meet Matching Grant requirements
  • Compile a list of and facilitate access to specialized local resources to help clients overcome the barriers they face to achieve their goals for economic and social self-sufficiency
  • Call clients to complete employment orientation and employability assessments over the phone and enter the assessments into the Client-Track and ETO systems  
  • Obtain accurate translations for vital documents, including informational materials on Right to Work, pre-application task checklists, applications materials needed for a state ID and opening a bank account, and more 

REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially
  • Strong intercultural communication skills, including demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and across language barriers
  • Strong organizational and communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
  • Comfortable with basic computer skills; familiarly with Microsoft Excel; willingness to learn to use new software for data entry
  • Must be flexible, patient, and willing to perform other reasonable activities as needed
  • Positive attitude and reliability are essential qualities for prospective candidates
  • Adherence to IRC volunteer and workplace policies
  • Willingness to use fluency in other languages if applicable

TRAINING & GUIDANCE

In-depth training will be provided for interns to understand IRC programming and the various needs of clients accessing IRC services. Interns will receive training on IRC’s federal R&P and APA service agreements and their programmatic requirements for resettlement services. Interns with client languages who could serve as an interpreter must receive guidance on policies when interpreting. Other activity specific training will be provided as needed. Flexibility, initiative, and a desire to collaborate are essential qualities for this intern opportunity. A high-level of confidentiality is required when working with IRC clients.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Intern will gain US resettlement agency experience in assessing new clients
  • Intern will learn how to train and communicate with a diverse population, including how to effectively utilize interpreters
  • Intern will acquire knowledge of programs and public benefits available to humanitarian immigrants
  • Intern will learn how to effectively create resumes and job search for clients 
  • Intern will gain skills in strategic research and outreach strategies
  • Intern will learn reporting requirements for resettlement agencies and how capturing this data improves these services

HOW TO APPLY

All intern opportunities are contingent on clearing a background check*. Interns must adhere to the IRC intern and workplace policies, which includes confidentiality and providing proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Apply online at https://irc-global.my.salesforce-sites.com/volunteer,selecting Louisville. Email questions to [email protected].

*Please consider contributing $55 to offset the direct cost to us ($100) of your background check. Your contribution allows us to allocate more funds towards other refugee services and programs.

FOR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS, TEACHERS, & YOUTH PROGRAM LEADERS

If you would like to discuss connecting your organization with the IRC in Louisville for internship opportunities, please email Alma Herović, Development Manager, at [email protected] with the subject line “INTERNSHIP."

OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED & SUPPORT