Health and Wellness Intern (MSW)

Background 

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. IRC teams provide health, infrastructure, learning and economic support to people in 50+ countries worldwide. The IRC also provides support to thousands of refugees resettling in 29 U.S. cities each year through initial housing assistance; case management and referral services; job readiness and placement; community and cultural orientation; health and wellness programs; immigration services; and youth programs.

Micro

• Mental Health & Psycho-Social Support (MHPSS) Intern placement:
  Support the coordination and implementation of psychosocial support groups focused on building community and teaching skills to handle stress and build self-sufficiency. This position will work directly with clients participating in groups under the guidance of the MHPSS Program Manager and Peer Support Specialists.
• Survivors of Torture (SOT) Intern placement:
  Assist the SOT caseworker and team in delivering client-centered, trauma-informed, and efficient case management services. This position would work up to carrying a small caseload of clients, to address any intensive, urgent, or short-term needs of individuals and families, which may include mental illness, homelessness, unemployment, medical issues, domestic violence, applying for benefits, job applications, school enrollment, etc.
• Evaluation Alliance of Human Rights (EAHR) Intern placement:
  Assist clients who are applying for asylum by coordinating medical and psychological evaluations for clients to support their asylum case in court. This position will manage the evaluation process by coordinating between clients, the medical and mental health evaluators and the attorneys with the support of the EAHR IRC team. This position will also do some short-term case management for urgent needs of EAHR clients related to mental illness, homelessness, unemployment, medical issues, domestic violence, applying for benefits, job applications, school enrollment, etc.

Mezzo

• Mental Health & Psycho-Social Support (MHPSS) Intern placement:
  This position will develop and implement community mapping and outreach strategies to engage with refugee and immigrant communities and other service providers, including disseminating relevant information and resources.  This position will also support with curriculum development for the psychosocial groups to ensure the content and delivery is informative, engaging, and tailored to meet the unique mental health needs of diverse refugee and humanitarian migrant populations.
• Survivors of Torture (SOT) Intern placement:
  This position will develop and implement community mapping and outreach strategies to engage with refugee and immigrant communities and other service providers, including disseminating relevant information and resources.  
• Evaluation Alliance of Human Rights (EAHR) Intern placement:
  This position will develop and implement community mapping and outreach strategies to engage with refugee and immigrant communities and other service providers, including disseminating relevant information and resources.  

Macro

• Mental Health & Psycho-Social Support (MHPSS) Intern placement:
  This position will need to learn and stay informed about changes in immigration policies as these affect the populations we are working with. This position will also have the opportunity to participate in the design and development of the psychosocial groups.
• Survivors of Torture (SOT) Intern placement:
  This position will need to learn and stay informed about changes in immigration policies as these affect the populations we are working with.
• Evaluation Alliance of Human Rights (EAHR) Intern placement:
  This position will need to learn and stay informed about changes in immigration policies as these affect the populations we are working with.

Required Experience

• Currently enrolled in a master's or PhD program, studying Public Affairs, Sociology, or Social Work (2nd year preferred).
• Lived experience as a refugee or immigrant is highly preferred.
• Able to speak a second language. (preferred).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, comfort learning and working with other technical systems.
• Effective time management skills and ability to focus and work productively in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member in a multi-cultural environment.
• Committed to continual learning and growth.

Required/Preferred Languages

Common languages needed are Spanish, French, Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Swahili, Tigrinya. Any other language may also be beneficial.

How to Apply

Email McCall Skalla (mccall.skalla@rescue.org) and Aaron Nilson (aaron.nilson@rescue.org) a resume and cover letter. Position is open till filled.