BACKGROUND:
The International Rescue Committee is the leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. The IRC is committed to freedom, human dignity, and self-reliance. This commitment is reflected in well-planned resettlement assistance, global emergency relief, rehabilitation, and advocacy for refugees.
Founded in 1933, the IRC is a global leader in emergency relief, rehabilitation, protection of human rights, post-conflict development, resettlement services and advocacy for those uprooted or affected by conflict and oppression. The resettlement office in Salt Lake City provides services to newly arrived refugees.
SCOPE OF WORK:
The Social Healthcare Intern will be providing core services to victims of political torture, domestic violence victims, youth refugees, single head of households, disabled refugees and refugees with PTSD. You will be assisting clients get adequate healthcare, connection to benefits, housing, connection to ESL resources, assist with immigration documents, connection to mental health services and connection to community. You will be immersed in Middle Eastern and African cultures while assisting clients to be able to navigate United States culture and legal systems.
No day will be the same, lots of exposure to multiple disciplines. Our main goal is to get clients self-sufficient and happy. (This would be a great internship for Pre-Law students, Social Work students or Nursing students). If you don’t know a skill, ICM Supervisor will teach. With successful completion of internship, Supervisor will give an outstanding letter of recommendation.
Essential Functions:
Health Stabilization: healthcare assessment including medication compliance, primary care connection, wheelchair/walker education, and connection to specialty care Social Work: mental health stabilization including referrals to Huntsman Mental Health, County Social Work, NAMI, West Ministers Community Clinic and Training Center, Thrive, Youth Services and Utah LGBTQ+ (lots of co-regulation skills exposure) Legal Stabilization: help refugees navigate legal systems through referrals to Legal Aid, legal advocacy for DV victims, divorce documents, protective orders, and assistance in citizenship document process Core Services: assist clients with State Benefits including food stamps and cash assistance, General Assistance applications, HEAT applications, Compassionate Care SSI Advocacy, and Social Security Applications Needs assessment, budgeting, action plans, doctor visits and home visits Files, case notes, data entry, participation in case staffing and staff meetings*You will have the support of ICM supervisor for training and education
*This is a refugee advocacy position, you do not need certifications or licensure, but it is a good way to prepare for future licensure in various fields