Psychosocial Support Intern (Unpaid)

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 50 countries and more than 25 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 Psychosocial Support Intern provides culturally and linguistically appropriate supportive therapeutic and psychoeducational services utilizing trauma-informed care. The client population served through this program includes refugees, asylees, and asylum seekers, who may be survivors of torture, victims of human trafficking, gender-based violence survivors, victims of domestic violence or other crimes, and those experiencing mental and emotional distress. This population represents numerous nationalities and ethnic backgrounds, many of whom do not speak English.  The Psychosocial Support Intern is responsible for building resilience of people forcibly displaced. This position will be engaging with individuals and families from the diverse communities who are experiencing adjustment difficulties to offer encouragement, practical assistance, guidance, and emotional support. The role will include conducting client-centered needs assessments and skill-building workshops to enhance problem solving and promote positive interactions. Depending on community need, the psychosocial support intern may also co-facilitate support groups, provide educational workshops, and develop community activities that foster healthy connections. The Psychosocial Support Intern will also assist with client care coordination and program coordination for other therapeutic services activities. The nature of this work is dynamic and requires some flexibility and willingness to adapt to adverse situations as they arise.  

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Meet with individuals and families in the community or virtually to conduct needs assessments 

•  Assist with support group session planning and arrangement as well as co-facilitation.

• Prepare an appropriate plan of action with clearly identified goals and activities

• Under supervision, engage in evidenced-based psychoeducation and skill building activities

• Refer clients to community resources or to specialists as necessary and other case management duties.

• Provide follow up with clients for continued care coordination.

• Document activities through case notes and data entry

• Collaborate with supervisor or TS staff to provide crisis assessment 

• Assist with evaluation of current program services and explore ways to introduce new service opportunities

• Attend IRC trainings and conference calls addressing mental health program development and other refugee mental health and psychosocial support related topics

• Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients’ treatment.

• Attend individual supervision.

• Drive clients using your own vehicle when needed (if school allows).

• Work in both a standard office environment and community-based environment.

• Other duties, as required 

LEARNING OUTCOMES: This internship provides psychosocial support, group facilitation, case management and care coordination experience in a community agency setting. Under direction of a supervisor, interns get practice in cross-cultural group facilitation, psychosocial support, assessment, outreach, resource provision, documentation, in-service training, and data collection.

•  Knowledge of the role of racial, ethnic, and cultural heritage; nationality; socioeconomic status; family structure; age; gender; sexual orientation; religious and spiritual beliefs occupation; physical and mental status; and equity issues in a community social work setting.

•  Understand the roles of community social workers and the relationship between social workers and other professionals in a community agency setting.

•  Demonstrate an understanding of ethical and legal considerations specifically related to the practice of community social work and engage in appropriate ethical behavior.

•  Understand and demonstrate basic and advanced service skills with a variety of clients with diverse presenting problems and trauma.

•  Understand how to apply appropriate individual and group facilitation skills for initiating, maintaining, and terminating services.

•  General principles of assessment and an understanding of symptoms to look for when conducting an intake for psychosocial support.

•  Evaluate effectiveness of intervention(s) provided.

•  Prepare and maintain records required.

•  Learn to use individual supervision effectively.

REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to obtain an AZ Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card 

• Ability to pass an IRC background check

• Bachelor’s or master’s level focus on counseling, social work, or education is strongly encouraged but is not a limiting factor for candidates 

• Ability to communicate effectively with clinical team, clients, and staff. 

• Experience with vulnerable populations preferred, in particular psychological trauma due to war, displacement, violence, and persecution. 

• Desire to work with an ethnically diverse international population in innovative ways. 

• Demonstrate cultural humility and an understanding of trauma-informed care. 

• Ability to work effectively with partners, colleagues, and clients in a cross-cultural, team-based environment. 

• Ability to present oneself in an appropriately personable and professional manner to clients and staff. 

• Ability to be both consistent and flexible as circumstances warrant. 

• Ability to receive and utilize constructive feedback regarding performance, presentation and relationships with others. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

• Strong computer skills. 

• Proficiency in a second language spoken by the client base strongly preferred but not required. 

• A positive attitude and a desire to learn and adapt traditional clinical skills to meet the needs of a diverse client base. 

• A vehicle, current driver’s license and valid insurance. 

Application Deadline: August 31st

Note: This is an unpaid internship. Intern must commit to 15 hours a week for a 6-month minimum. Internship hours are completed between Monday and Friday from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.

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.