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 VOLUNTEER WORK: 

The R&P case management program includes providing core services to new arrivals, and helping clients work towards self-sufficiency during their first 90 days in the U.S. in the areas of health, employment, finances, DWS, education, housing, family, and community. Casework interns work closely with the casework program manager and caseworkers throughout their internship, assisting and learning about all aspects of the casework program.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

New arrival services: assist with airport pickup, home safety orientation, grocery shopping, apply for social security card, apply for benefits at DWS, activate EBT card, lease signing, setting up utilities, office intake, furniture delivery, bus orientations, paying bills, home safety & cleaning orientation, etc. Core Services: ESL & public-school enrollment, cultural orientation, housing applications, transportation to appointments Employment search: work with individual clients to learn about their skills and prior work experience, search for jobs, create resumes, and assist with interview preparation Needs assessment, budgeting, action plans, home visits Referral and connection to community services File case notes, complete data entry, and participate in case staffing and staff meetings

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Casework interns will learn how the refugee resettlement process works and learn about all the aspects of the casework program. Understand how state and federal policies affect services to clients. Experience working with diverse populations. Learn the social work interventions/models used at the agency and will practice applying social work theories/approaches to cases (strengths, empowerment, ecological, systems, etc.).