Spring 2025: Refugee Field Work Intern (Unpaid)

*Please note: this is an unpaid internship*

IRC BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading organization providing relief, protection, and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression throughout the U.S. IRC in San Diego has resettled over 31,000 refugees to San Diego County over the past 48 years and provides numerous program services. In San Diego, the IRC opened its doors in 1975 and has grown to serve approximately 7,000 refugee and immigrant individuals from 115 countries of origin each year through 5 different departments. 

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK: The Refugee Resettlement intern will be instrumental in helping newly arrived refugees, and other refugees who are facing significant barriers to connect to appropriate services in San Diego. The intern will support Caseworkers, refugee clients directly, and will assist with ongoing projects within the Resettlement Department. The Resettlement Department consists of two programs: Reception & Placement, and Afghan Integration Resettlement Services. Interns can request to work with specific programs, or to assist both.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Drive and accompany clients to appointments, such as the DMV, health check-ups, legal consults, school enrollments, etc.

• Assist Resettlement Caseworkers with airport pickups for newly arriving refugee families.

• Assist with setting up the apartments of families scheduled to arrive to San Diego, including shopping for a set list of items.

• Take clients to the bank to open accounts or withdraw money.

• Help clients enroll in services, in-person or remotely.

• Accompany clients on bus/metro trips to help them learn routes on the San Diego public transit system.

• Develop guides and learning materials for client use (examples: healthcare navigation, food banks, local community guides, etc.)

• Organize long-term projects or resources that will benefit the livelihoods of refugee clients.

• Provide ongoing office support for the Resettlement department including preparing case files, writing and emailing on behalf of clients, maintaining supplies, and welcoming guests.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

1. Student will learn about service plans, and the essential steps of setting up new refugee families for success in San Diego. 

1. Student will learn about the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and the resettlement process.

1. Student will learn more about the populations of refugees in San Diego.

1. Student will learn about the essential functions of a non-profit office needed to help programs continue to run.

REQUIREMENTS: 

• Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or Master’s programfocused on Education, International Relations/Development, Social Work, or related field

• Must be a self-starter, enthusiastic, and possess a positive attitude.   

• Excellent organizational skills, strong communication and interpersonal skills, empathetic, and ability to effectively collaborate.

• Ability to use basic functions of Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office programs.

• English fluency required.

• 1+ years related work or volunteer experience with a non-profit strongly preferred.

• A strong interest in working with a diverse, low-income population is required.

• Proactive, motivated and flexible; able to remain calm and adapt within a fast-paced work environment.

• Language skills a plus (Farsi/Dari, Kiswahili, Arabic, or Russian strongly preferred)

• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle with current insurance and the ability to travel regularly in the area (daytime and nighttime hours)

This position reports to Resettlement Program Manager.

Compensation: This is an unpaid internship opportunity.

Working Environment: