Health Advocacy Intern (Unpaid)

IRC - International Rescue Committee

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.

SCOPE OF WORK: 

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) works one-on-one with clients to meet their unique health needs while increasing refugees’ health literacy as they adapt to life in the United States. The Health Advocacy intern plays an important role in IRC’s mission. The intern will partner with Health staff to assist newly-arrived clients to navigate the healthcare system, provide an overview of the health in the U.S. set and expectations of health-related responsibilities from IRC and the client, and provide healthcare orientation.

Minimum Qualifications:

RESPONSIBILITIES: 
•Collaborate with health staff to provide healthcare navigation and health education for IRC clients
•Coordinate scheduling, interpreters and transportation for all new arrivals to establish care with a PCP and follow up as necessary 
•Serve as patient advocate, accompany clients to medical appointments, transport clients for lab work and other diagnostic testing, and report follow-up and referrals from providers  
•Recording activities as directed and timely reporting to the Health Services Coordinator.  
•Provide training to clients regarding U.S. healthcare, pharmacy services and understanding how to access prescription and over-the-counter medications. 
•Assist clients to become self-sufficient in accessing transportation to medical appointments by providing trainings and assisting with applications to special transportation services as needed. 
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
During the internship, students’ key learning outcomes include:
•Cultural competency, including understanding and respecting the diverse cultural background and health needs of refugees
•Communication skills that are culturally and linguistically appropriate for effective learning for individuals from different cultures
•Healthcare Access and Navigation in the U.S.
REQUIREMENTS: 
•Pursuing degree in health sciences, public health, social work, or equivalent experience.
•Experience with health education and preventive health training 
•Strong intercultural communication skills; demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from other cultural backgrounds. 
•Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 
•Understanding and ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding client information. 
•Driver’s license, personal vehicle, auto insurance, and clean driving record. 
•Preference given to applicants able to make multi-semester commitment 
•Preference given to multilingual applicants, especially those fluent in Dari or Ukrainian.

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.


Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion:
The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.

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