SCOPE OF WORK (INTERN): IRC NJ’s Health and Wellness team supports newcomers as they learn to navigate the U.S. health care system. We recognize that clients are the experts on their own lives, experiences, and beliefs. The Health and Wellness team uses client expertise to guide, encourage, and empower clients as they interact with various health systems. We teach clients how to set up appointments, find specialists, apply for health insurance, request interpretation, and access emotional support services, among many other skills and needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Refugee Health Promotion Interns will assist IRC NJ clients with a variety of support services, such as Medicaid/New Jersey Family Care follow up, appointment accompaniment, transportation orientations, supported health referrals, and developing health resources for IRC NJ clients. Refugee Health Promotion Interns will also provide other direct services to health and wellness clients as needed.

Support clients with health-related advocacy follow-up, which includes but is not limited to Medicaid applications, prescription coverage, and primary care and specialist linkages.

·       Facilitate health and wellness transportation orientations to empower clients to use public transportation or other transportation options to attend medical appointments.

·       Accompany clients to appointments to facilitate check-in, presumptive eligibility Medicaid coverage (if needed), and confirm interpretation services for client.

·       Research and create client-facing resources on a variety of health education topics.

·       Under the supervision of the Health and Wellness Supervisor, assess and monitor client needs and make appropriate referrals.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1.     The student will learn about refugee resettlement issues and processes as they relate to clients’ physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.

2.     The student will learn how to effectively navigate health systems that IRC NJ clients frequently need and access.

3.     The student will develop outreach and advocacy skills.

REQUIREMENTS:

·       Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in public health, social work, or related field.

·       Available at least 15 hours each week, hybrid schedule.  

·       Experience working with diverse populations, ideally in the context of health and wellness.

·       Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations is highly desirable.

·       Fluency in a second language is preferred (e.g., Spanish, Haitian Creole, Arabic, Dari/Pashto)

·       Solid computer skills, including email, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, among others.

·       Strong research skills.

·       Willingness to travel in Northern and Central NJ to meet with clients.