BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading, non-sectarian, non-profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict.  Domestically, our 28 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.

SCOPE OF WORK: Finding and maintaining employment is a key element to refugee self-sufficiency. The intern will assist IRC employment staff to identify potential employers and job opportunities for refugee clients. The intern will complete job applications, assist with resume writing, prepare clients for job interviews, fill out new hire paperwork, shop for needed work clothes and tools, and accompany clients to their first day of work. Depending on the intern's schedule, h/she may act as a teaching assistant in job readiness classes. The intern will also provide administrative support including documenting job search activities and delivering appointment notices to clients' homes.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct employment assessments, create resumes, complete, and cover letters, apply for jobs, prepare clients for interviews, fill out new hire paperwork, accompany clients to interviews, orientations, and first day of work

• Provide post-employment placement follow up support and address and challenges or concerns expressed by client or employer

• Provide support to clients in addressing barriers to self-sufficiency; barriers include: limited English proficiency, lack of work experience, lack of childcare, lack of transportation, etc.

• Develop employer partnerships through research and targeted outreach

• Consolidate and organize client service delivery data into appropriate spreadsheets and databases; track and casenote employment placements and progress, services, and other data in IRC’s database

• Model appropriate workplace dress and manner

• Transport to and assist with employment related activities

• Research potential job openings and complete employment applications

• Document activities in case files and provide other administrative support as appropriate

• Attend Volunteer/Intern Orientation

• Record hours and sub REQUIREMENTS:

• Good written and verbal communications skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and able to engage clients in a counseling/coaching role

• Reliable, responsible, punctual and professional

• Flexible and able to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

• Comfortable working in a multicultural setting

• Car is required for this internship

This position is unpaid and reports to the Economic Empowerment Supervisor.