Matching Grant (MG) Employment Support Intern

This is an unpaid position.

IRC Background:  The mission of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933, the IRC has a presence in over 40 countries and 27 offices in the United States; the IRC leads the way from harm to home. IRC opened an office in Seattle in 1976 and provides a continuum of services including intensive case management, employment and economic empowerment services, immigration assistance, health and wellness programming, and education support to refugee and immigrant families in Washington State. IRC Seattle is committed to providing trauma-informed, equitable, and accessible services and maintaining and evolving a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace.

Job Overview: The Matching Grant (MG) Employment Support Intern, is responsible for assisting refugees and other immigrants with job search activities and job retention services, including participating in employer outreach and job development. This position is also responsible for assisting the Employment Specialists in helping clients access other resources available in the community and providing services for clients in the ‘field’.

Responsibilities

  • Develop resumes and self-sufficiency plans with clients enrolled on the Matching Grant employment program
  • Identify specific employment opportunities appropriate for individual participants, guiding them through the application, interview, and hiring process
  • Develop relationships with employers in the area to find job opportunities for program participants
  • Assist Matching Grant Employment Interns with helping clients access resources in the community for low-income individuals (i.e. applying for subsidized child care, referring clients to community centers, enrollment in ESL classes, etc.)
  • Use personal vehicle and/or public transportation to accompany clients and transport materials as needed throughout the service delivery area
  • Assist with coordinating and providing program orientation to clients who are eligible for Matching Grant services

Requirements

  • Relevant education or experience in the human services field, especially working with refugees and/or immigrants
  • Lived experience as a refugee or immigrant is preferred
  • Experience with U.S. job search, interviews, and onboarding processes
  • Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment
  • Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a team member
  • Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills
  • Professional proficiency in English, both spoken and written; bilingual ability in a language spoken by the local refugee population preferred
  • Driver’s license and insured personal vehicle preferred
  • Commitment to anti-racism and ongoing learning

Time Commitment

  • Minimum commitment of 3 months
  • Minimum commitment of 8 hours per week

Working Environment

  • A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities
  • May require at least a couple hours of availability during the typical 9:00am-5:00pm work day for meetings with supervisor