Background:  Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a leading non-sectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection, and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. The Suburban Washington Refugee Center, where the IRC’s Silver Spring resettlement office is located, has resettled more than 2,000 new refugee arrivals, providing them a fresh start and opportunities to use their greatest resources—their motivation, their skills and their experiences—to become independent and self-sufficient new Americans. Currently, the IRC Silver Spring resettles and/or provides assistance to over 700 refugees and asylees each year. 

Scope of work:  The Financial Capability (FinCap) Program as part of the Economic Empowerment Program supports clients to become financially capable through financial education, coaching and providing low-interest loan products. FinCap services include financial education and counseling that help clients understand banking, budgeting, saving, debt management, building credit and auto purchase. FinCap products includes different various-purpose small-dollar consumer loans. This program aims to empower participants and boost their confidence to manage their personal finances effectively. The Financial Capability Intern will support the program by providing financial coaching and counseling services to program participants.  

Responsibilities: 

Reach out to new referrals via email and phone to explain the Financial Capability Program services and products, assess their needs and interests, and complete their intakes Provide 1:1 financial coaching and counseling including creating and using personal budget, establishing a bank account, savings, debt management  Provide 1:1 classroom and group financial education on banking, budgeting, and introduction to credit Assess client needs and develop individual short-term and long-term financial goals Facilitate financial literacy/education workshops for clients Collaborate, build and maintain effective relationships with colleagues  Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy Other duties as assigned by IRC staff

Learning Objectives: 

Intern will learn about personal finance topics and managing personal finance methods 
Intern will gain insights into IRC casework and financial literacy programs and the process of refugee and asylee integration within the United States 
Intern will learn to communicate effectively with clients across cultures and with interpreters 
Intern will learn individual coaching techniques to engage and empower adults 
Intern will learn about financial literacy topics, financial systems and how to navigate them effectively 
Intern will lean presentation and inter-personal skills