Client Engagement Intern (Unpaid)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

SCOPE OF WORK: The International Rescue Committee (IRC), works in the United States welcomes newly arrived refugees and immigrants, supports them in their resettlement, and provides holistic services to help them build new lives in their communities. IRC New Jersey is designated as a service provider by the New Jersey Office for Refugees and the federal government’s Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to provide Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) and Refugee Support Services (RSS) to non-refugee ORR-eligible individuals and families (i.e., Cuban and Haitian entrants, Ukrainian humanitarian parolees, asylees, etc.).

The Client Engagement Intern will work closely with the Intake & Outreach, Client Voices, and RCA teams to provide trauma-informed services to ORR-eligible individuals and families to facilitate the achievement of client self-sufficiency. This position will work with clients, colleagues, and external parties to identify and engage ORR-eligible clients, facilitate timely client intake and referrals, ensure that clients’ voices are heard, and support efficient and timely operation of the RCA program, in accordance with client eligibility and program requirements.

RESPONSIBILITIES: This position will support efficient and effective functioning of the Client Engagement team, including the Intake & Outreach, Client Voices, and RCA teams. The primary responsibilities include:

• Support Intake/Outreach, Client Voices, and RCA specialists with scanning and organizing documents, entering case notes in accordance with program requirements, and inputting data into departmental trackers and databases;

• Assist clients in-person and on the phone with booking and preparing for intake appointments

• Provide live translation services (Haitian Creole or Spanish preferred) for client interactions in the office, and translate written client materials

• Support planning and execution of outreach campaigns to current and potential clients, including by phone, message and email, with the aim of sharing information about IRC services and events;

• Support smooth planning and execution of IRC client events, including disseminating information about IRC services and collecting client information, such as attendance data or feedback, as appropriate

• Assist with research on community resources, networks, and events to support client outreach projects and community referrals

• Engage with IRC clients respectfully and compassionately

• Other duties as assigned

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Acquire a thorough understanding of IRC’s Intake & Outreach, Client Voices and RCA programs

Become familiar with the specific needs and challenges facing IRC’s clients in New Jersey, and how IRC works with our clients to overcome barriers, including by offering employability services, English language training, career pathways, financial coaching and community referrals.

Develop skills useful for a career in human services, including using case management software and understanding case worker documentation

REQUIREMENTS: Volunteers must be based in the U.S. Interns must be based in US and must be enrolled in post-secondary institution or have graduated from a post-secondary institution within last 2 years.

The requirements should establish a baseline (minimum) for educational background, previous work experience, professional knowledge or certification, specific skills and strengths and any other skill necessary to perform the essential functions.

The requirements should include:

• Be fluent in a second language spoken by IRC clients, strong preference for Spanish and/or Haitian Creole

• Ability to work 15-20 hrs a week in the IRC office in Elizabeth, NJ

• Experience with data entry, case management/ case noting software, and maintaining accurate client records.

• Previous experience and/ or a strong interest in working with refugees and immigrants, including internships, volunteer work, or related projects.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively work with diverse populations.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

• Current or recent enrollment at a college or university for Social Work, Psychology, Public Health or a related field. Alternatives accepted include internships, volunteer work, or related projects.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

Equal Opportunity Employer: 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, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.