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 Housing and Legal Advocacy 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 providing housing resources, housing stabilization, tenant advocacy, eviction prevention, immigration process assistance, legal advocacy for Domestic Violence victims including referrals to Legal Aid, advocacy assistance with divorce documents and assistance with protective and restraining orders. 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, or Social Work 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:  

Home Stabilization: Bishop Store House Food Orders, HEAT applications, housing applications, and setting up affordable housing accounts Legal Stabilization: help refugees navigate legal systems through referrals to Legal Aid, legal advocacy for Domestic Violence victims, divorce documents, protective orders, and assistance in citizenship document process (lots of co-regulation skills exposure) Core Services: assist clients with State Benefits including food stamps and cash assistance, General Assistance applications, Compassionate Care SSI Advocacy, and Social Security Applications When needed collaboration with IRC Housing Department and ECM team Needs assessment, budgeting, action plans, 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