LOCATION
Oakland, CA / Hybrid 

COMMITMENT
Volunteers: Minimum 4 hours per week 
Interns: Minimum 15 hours per week for at least 4 full months, or 240 hours total 

 

Scope of Work

The Health Promotion Program supports refugees and immigrants in navigating the U.S. healthcare system, promoting general wellness, and addressing barriers to health access. Through a combination of direct client support, case management assistance, health education workshops, and community-based initiatives, the program addresses topics such as nutrition, food security, preventive care, and health system literacy. The Health Promotion Volunteer / Intern will support the Health Promotion team through case noting, case file review, client communication, workshop preparation, and general program support. 
 

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 45 countries and 29 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our 29 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.
 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Client Engagement and Communication

  • Speak directly with refugee and immigrant clients to support their health-related needs, including appointment follow-up, program enrollment, and health education participation
  • Provide culturally sensitive support under the guidance of the Health Promotion team
  • Conduct phone calls to clients to check in, schedule services, or gather follow-up inform

Case Noting and Documentation

  • Draft case notes in paragraph form in compliance with program standards using the Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) database
  • Upload and organize relevant documentation in client folders (digital and/or physical)
  • Support staff with case file audits and assist in ensuring all required documents are on file

Case File Review and Quality Assurance

  • Review health promotion case files for completeness and compliance using checklists provided by the program team
  • Work with staff to identify and resolve documentation gaps or inconsistencies

Health Education and Workshop Support

  • Assist with planning, preparing materials, and logistics for health promotion workshops on topics such as nutrition, food security, preventive health, and mental wellness
  • Support workshop delivery, including client sign-in, note-taking, translation support, or post-workshop follow-up

Program Support and Coordination

  • Help troubleshoot minor issues clients face related to healthcare navigation (e.g. Medi-Cal access, doctor appointments, transportation) with the support of the Health Promoters.
  • Participate in team meetings and contribute to program coordination and continuous improvement
     

REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to speak additional languages such as Dari, Pashto, Spanish, Arabic, or Tigrinya is a plus
  • Ability to assist with case notes, documentation, and client file organization
  • Interest in health equity, nutrition, wellness education, and food security preferred
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills: the ability to work sensitively with clients, partners, and colleagues in a cross cultural, multi-disciplinary environment
  • Solid organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, set priorities, and effectively manage time and meet deadlines
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Zoom
  • Cultural humility and desire to help and work with newcomer communities
     

This position reports to the Health Navigator

  • This is an unpaid volunteer / intern opportunity
  • Acceptance is contingent upon clearing a $40 background check
  • Internships are available for current college students starting their second year, graduate students, and graduates within 2 years of graduation.
  • Course credit is available if the student coordinates with their university and confirms the appropriate paperwork with the IRC Volunteer Coordinator. 
     

STANDARD OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.
 

Application Process

Fill out an application online and include your resume and cover letter. If you are a good fit for this opportunity, someone will be in touch with you. 

Please note we have three onboarding cohorts throughout the year. We recommend you apply 1-2 months before the start of your desired cohort.

  • Fall: Starts in September
  • Spring: Starts in February
  • Summer: Starts in May-June