Healthcare & Benefits Navigation 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. As an introduction to the position, this brief, but concise overview of the role should give the reader an understanding of the important components of the job and how it fits into the mission of the program and IRC.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In coordination with Healthcare Benefit Navigators, support screening and enrollment activities for benefit programs such as Medicaid, NYC Care, SNAP, WIC, FairFares, Child Care Vouchers, IDNYC, etc.; accompanying clients to related public benefits appointments as needed for support

• Sort and review public benefits related mail; contacting clients to share relevant updates

• Assist in scheduling client medical and dental appointments as needed

• In collaboration with the Healthcare Benefits Navigators and other team members, develop relevant educational materials to support client access, knowledge and navigation of public benefits systems; delivery of workshops to clients as needed

• Collaborate with other Health & Wellness Department interns on the development/updating of a Community Resources Guide through desk review and outreach activities

• Keep thorough and accurate case file documentation in Program folders and related excel spreadsheets

• Keep all digital files up to date and create new digital client files as needed

• Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy.

• Display sensitivity to cultural and personality differences of clients. Respect their beliefs and values.

• Provide translation and interpretation when necessary.

• Other related duties as assigned.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Gain experience with the U.S refugee resettlement process and services available to clients specifically in/ around New York City.

Gain experience in identifying clients' needs to appropriately coordinate medical care and connect them to necessary supportive services within the community.

Gain experience with conducting public benefit/human services screenings and enrollment services; keeping thorough and accurate case file documentation of all direct services provided to clients.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Interns must be based in US and must be enrolled in post-secondary institution or have graduated from a post-secondary institution within the last 2 years.

• Undergraduate level studies in social sciences, international relations or a related field.

• Languages desired but not required: Haitian Creole, Arabic, Spanish, French and Russian

• Strong desire to help refugees and other migrant communities rebuild their lives in New York.

• Ability to work independently, exercise good judgement, and have high attention to detail.

• Competency in Microsoft Office, data tracking, and file management

• Effective communication skills.

• Demonstrates ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

• Patience, understanding, flexibility, and an unceasingly positive attitude.

• Willing to learn about IRC history, philosophy, global work, and local efforts.

• Willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies.

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.