BACKGROUND: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is the leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. The IRC is committed to freedom, human dignity, and self-reliance. This commitment is reflected in well-planned resettlement assistance, global emergency relief, rehabilitation and advocacy for refugees. Founded in 1933, the IRC is a global leader in emergency relief, rehabilitation, protection of human rights, post-conflict development, resettlement services and advocacy for those uprooted or affected by conflict and oppression. 

SCOPE OF WORK: The housing and casework intern will support the IRC in Salt Lake City's housing program, a leader in the nation of ensuring that refugees have a home to call their own as soon as they arrive to the US. New to the housing system, IRC clients often struggle with housing related problems such as cleaning, reporting maintenance needs, and navigating the US rental system. The housing and casework intern will visit clients at their 5 month mark and check on their housing status. This role will work closely with the logistics coordinator to expand our current housing access curriculum. In this role, interns get a substantial amount of one-on-one interaction with clients from around the world. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

  • Assist logistics coordinator in identifying and addressing housing needs of clients. 
  • Visit clients who have been in the US for 5 months to check on housing needs. 
  • Assist in donation collection and distribution of household items to clients. 
  • Provide in-home maintenance and cleaning orientations as needed. 
  • Meet one-on-one or in small groups with clients to provide tutorial on navigating US leasing systems. 
  • Assist in other duties as needed including outreach, apartment searches, donations, deliveries, front desk support and other all staff and intern roles at the SLC office. 

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, or recent graduate. 
  • Previous experience with ESL population. 
  • Previous experience in education preferred. 
  • Willing to learn about IRC history, philosophy, global work, and local efforts. 
  • Adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies. 
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English; additional fluency in a refugee language preferred. 
  • Reliable, independent and able to take on a project assignment and ask for help when needed. 
  • IRC orientation and background check required. 

NEXT STEPS: Interested candidates should email a resume and brief statement of interest to Kevin Favreau, volunteer coordinator, at [email protected]. 

This position reports to the logistic and housing coordinator. This position is unpaid. 

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.