Child and Youth Advocacy Intern

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 25 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure.

Internship Overview: The Unaccompanied Children Program Intern will assist the Child Protection Caseworker in providing services to immigrant children and their families. The Unaccompanied Children Program Intern will coordinate services to ensure that the children are living in a safe environment and integrating well into their new community. The Unaccompanied Children Program Intern will assist the caseworker in completing follow-ups and connecting them to the appropriate services and resources needed.

Learning Objectives:

-The intern will gain knowledge of solution-oriented, strengths-based care coordination for immigrant children and their families.
-The intern will develop skills in mapping community assets and resources.
-The intern will develop skills in client empowerment and advocacy.
-The intern will develop skills in research and compiling essential data.

Major Responsibilities:

-Conduct client follow up assessments
-Map community assets and help make referrals to community partners
-Translate documents into Spanish
-Maintain client’s case files
-Communicate client concerns with IRC staff and coordinate service plan with supervisor
-Other duties as assigned

Key Working Relationships: Position Reports to: Child Protection Caseworker

Internship Requirements:

-Excellent communication and writing skills
-Required – Bilingual ability in English and Spanish
-Organized with attention to detail
-Able to work independently and under pressure
-An interest in international issues
-Strong desire to help people and enthusiasm for working in a multi-cultural setting
-Computer literacy – preferably with PC systems
-Valid driver’s license, preferred with reliable access to an insured vehicle.

Minimum Qualifications:

Requirements:

-Must pass a background check
-Must be at least 18 years old
-Must attend IRC volunteer orientation training

Minimum Commitment:
-15 hours per week
-A 3-month commitment is desired but is negotiable on a case-by-case basis