The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

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 29 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 WORK: Like many of their neighbors in the community, people who are new to the United States often need to access public benefits while they work towards self-sufficiency. The Client Benefits Intern will support the direct service teams (Employment, Family Wellbeing) in ensuring that clients are able to access and maintain their public benefits, especially SNAP, TANF, RCA, and Medicaid. They will provide services through a strengths-based approach that supports clients in their resettlement journey.  

Through this internship, the Client Benefits Intern will gain insight into the resettlement process, will gain experience with public policy in practice, and will support our new neighbors at a critical point in their lives. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Attend Volunteer/Intern Orientation  Assist the Client Benefits Specialist in maintaining clients’ public benefits  Liaise with local governments and Departments of Social Services in order to maintain client’s public benefits  Contact clients for reminders about benefit’s interviews, renewals, and other upcoming appointments  Document and appropriately file Department of Social Services notices and communications  Compile and edit local resource sheets and benefits manual for clients  Advocate for clients’ needs with benefits program staff and local governments  Document activities in case files and provide other administrative support as appropriate  Record hours and submit completed timesheet for each month via the IRC’s online Volunteer Dashboard  Minimum Qualifications: Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree Good written and verbal communications skills  Strong interpersonal skills and able to engage clients in a counseling role  Reliable, responsible, punctual and professional  Flexible and able to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment  Comfortable working in a global setting  Preferred - Fluency in languages spoken by clients (Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Kiswahili, French, etc.)  

 

This position is unpaid and reports to the Client Benefits Specialist. 

 

Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.