Youth Program Intern (Fall 2024)

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 22 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 Role: 

Developing the skills and confidence to navigate the American School System is crucial for new arrivals’ success in Richmond. These skills allow parents to become more active in their children’s education and support kids as they adjust to their new reality. The Youth Team Intern will assist the Youth Program Specialist in the planning and implementation of school orientation classes for the refugees and immigrants that IRC Richmond serves. The Youth Team Intern will also assist clients with accessing school accounts, community resources, and provide longer term assistance navigating the American School System when needed.

Learning Objectives:

Youth Team Intern will:

·Become proficient in outreach to clients of various language and educational backgrounds

·Learn how to manage classes and supporting services within the established requirements, to provide the best possible service to vulnerable populations.

·Develop critical thinking skills, clients service skills, and intercultural education and social work skills.

·Learn about the IRC locally and globally, the available services to refugees and ORR-eligible clients in Richmond, Virginia.

Responsibilities:

·Assist IRC staff with outreach and coordination to clients

oFollow up with clients to make sure they have all information for appointments and events

·Assist IRC staff with implementation of School Orientation:

oFollow up with students to confirm their class attendance

oFollow a set curriculum for School Orientation to assist parents in understanding the US school system

oAdminister a pre/post-test for class participants

oReport any difficulties or client concerns to IRC Youth Caseworker

·Assist with PowerSchool Account set up

oEnroll parents in the online school system and assist them to download the application on their phones.

oShow parents how to navigate the site and interpret the attendance/grades information that is provided

oAssist parents to think critically about ways that they can support their children in their school journey

·Continued client support and resource connections

oFollow IRC staff directives to further assist families who may need more support navigating the school system

oConnect clients with relevant community resources and assist them in enrollment (Library card, Museums for All Membership, etc.)

·Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy, and practice sensitivity to cultural and personality differences of clients by respecting their beliefs and values.

·Other support as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

·Undergraduate or graduate level studies in education, social work, international relations, social sciences, or related field preferred.

·Cultural awareness of and sensitivity to vulnerable populations, and a desire to help refugees adjust to life in the U.S.

·Background in education or experience working with families formally or informally

·Patience, understanding, and flexibility

·Strong organizational skills with attention to detail

·Effective communication skills, especially in a multicultural environment

·Engaged in learning about the IRC (mission, philosophy, global work, and local efforts) and willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies

·Proficiency in more than one language preferred but not required (especially Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Spanish, and Kinyarwanda)

This position is unpaid and reports to the Youth Program Specialist.

*The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlines in the IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti-Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.