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.

Job Overview: The Health and Wellness Intern supports IRC’s Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) program, which provides psychosocial support, community‑based wellness services, and mental‑health‑informed case management to forcibly displaced individuals and families. The intern will receive structured supervision and hands‑on learning opportunities to practice client engagement, co‑facilitation of MHPSS groups, psychoeducation delivery, and community‑based wellness programming. Interns will not have a clinical caseload or conduct independent crisis intervention but may observe and participate under close supervision.

Major Responsibilities: 

Micro: 

  • Conduct supervised intakes, needs assessments, orientation, and goal planning with MHPSS clients.
  • Provide supervised one‑on‑one psychosocial support, including implementing components of Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR).
  • Support mental-health‑informed case management, including resource navigation and referrals to culturally and linguistically appropriate providers.
  • Participate in shadowing or co‑assisting with crisis assessment processes under IRC staff guidance.
  • Document client interactions and services through case notes and data entry in IRC systems.
  • Engage clients with a strengths‑based, trauma‑informed, culturally responsive approach.

Mezzo:

  • Co‑facilitate or assist with MHPSS group programs, including psychoeducation and skill‑building workshops.
  • Support recruitment, enrollment, and outreach for group programs.
  • Assist with group logistics: scheduling, materials preparation, transportation coordination, and space setup.
  • Research best practices for psychosocial group interventions for forcibly displaced populations to inform program enhancement.
  • Help develop and refine MHPSS curricula based on participant needs and staff feedback.
  • Collect pre/post surveys and qualitative feedback to contribute to program evaluation.

Macro: 

  • Attend statewide meetings, working groups, and IRC‑partner convenings related to refugee mental health, facilitated by the Office of Refugee & Immigrant Assistance (ORIA) and other partners.
  • Participate in training opportunities to build cross‑cultural skills and deepen understanding of refugee experiences.
  • Support analysis of program trends and contribute ideas for new or improved MHPSS service offerings.
  • Attend and engage in IRC team meetings, staff meetings, and relevant trainings; participate fully as a member of the MHPSS team.
  • Assist with administrative tasks that support overall wellness programming.

Location: One required in-office day. Other days are hybrid depending on program needs and caseload.

How to Apply:

Please send cover letter and resume to Aaron.Nilson@Rescue.org and McCall.Skalla@Rescue.org.

Reports to: Mental Health Program Manager

Updated: February 2026