BACKGROUND: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst
humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40
countries and 26 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm
to home.

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK: At the NYC Resettlement, Asylum and Integration (RAI) office, the
School Success Team helps newly arrived families to navigate the NYC public school system.
Families are initially guided through the enrollment process and then, if needed, are offered
additional help throughout the course of the school year via our School Success Coaching
Program. This program supports students and their families with problem solving for school-
related issues, communication with teachers and school staff, mentorship and goal setting, and
more. The School Success Intern would be a key player in both school enrollments and the School
Success Coaching process, assisting IRC staff with administrative duties and working directly
with families as well.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the guidance of the School Success Specialist, the School Success
Intern will work on the following:
• Assisting with or facilitating elementary, middle, and/or high school enrollments for
newcomer families in schools both within the NYC DOE and surrounding areas (i.e. Long
Island, Yonkers, etc.).
• Administrative assistance with case management tasks, e.g. setting appointments, family
outreach, facilitating paperwork processes, researching community resources (mental
health, after school), etc.
• Translation, note-taking, and/or co-facilitation of weekly meetings with clients focused on
academic support, goal setting, and more
• Leading parent and/or student group activities at Saturday Community Events (based on
intern availability and team need)
• Accompanying School Success Specialist on visits to client homes, schools, or other
locations in the community
• Additional tasks as requested by the School Success Specialist

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Interns will gain experience in providing services directly to refugee/newcomer families.
2. Interns will learn about the inner workings of non-profit funding structures, including the
differences in various immigration statuses and documentations.
3. Interns will understand the rights of immigrant/newcomer students in the NYC DOE,
including but not limited to issues around enrollment, housing, and special education.