Refugee Career and Financial Coaching Intern – Spring 2025

Background  
The International Rescue Committee, Inc. (IRC) helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to people forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 28 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to rebuild their lives. The IRC in Baltimore was established in 1999 and currently serves over 2,500 immigrants and refugees per year.  

Scope of Work  
Career and Financial Coaching interns will assist IRC employment specialists with daily activities that contribute to the self-sufficiency of refugees, asylees and other humanitarian immigrants in the Baltimore metropolitan area. This may include working individually with clients to conduct job searches and prepare for interviews, leading small group job readiness training sessions, conducting research on potential employers and assisting with service documentation. Interns may also have the opportunity to develop an employment-specific project.   

Reports To   
Employment Specialist, Financial Coach or Program Coordinator 

Learning Objectives   
-Learn about public benefits in Maryland and employers in the Baltimore metropolitan area.   
-Learn about barriers clients face in securing employment, and possible interventions to reduce barriers.   
-Gain experience presenting job preparedness training material to targeted client groups.  
-Learn to communicate effectively with clients across cultures.   

Responsibilities  
-Work one-on-one with humanitarian immigrants to identify barriers to employment and develop an understanding of the U.S. job search process.   
-Prepare clients for interviews through virtual one-on-one coaching and job readiness training cohort classes.  
-Collaborate with the economic empowerment team to create and implement employability plans for all clients.  
-Identify potential employers by researching online and cold-calling.  
-Assist clients to coordinate transportation to job interviews and assist with the completion of new hire paperwork under the direction of the intern’s supervisor. 
-Assist with service documentation through case-notes and case file maintenance.   
-Other duties as assigned.   

Minimum Qualifications:

-Prior experience and interest working with refugees and immigrants preferred.  
-Prior experience and interest in workforce development or related services preferred.   
-Ability to work independently and as a team member in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment.  
-Strong problem-solving skills and reliable follow-through, with outstanding attention to detail.  
-Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.   
-Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and web-based applications (databases, Box).   
-Fluency in English required. Bilingual ability in one of the predominant languages of the local client base is desired. 
-Valid driver’s license, reliable access to a vehicle with current insurance and the ability to travel regularly throughout Baltimore strongly preferred. 

Position Details  
• IN-PERSON: Spring 2025 internships will be in-person. This includes a combination of standard office environment, remote work, and field time within the greater Baltimore area. 
• DATES: Internships start with a required in-person orientation on Monday, January 13th, 2025 (approx. 9:30 AM – 3 PM) at the IRC Baltimore office. Regular weekly hours start the week of January 14th, 2025, and will continue through April 11th, 2025 (13 total weeks). 
• HOURS: Internships require a minimum of 15 hours per week for 13 weeks. Interns should be able to come to the office at least 1 day per week. 
• LAPTOP: Interns will be issued an IRC laptop for the duration of the internship to perform both remote and in-office responsibilities.  
• REIMBURSEMENT: Internships with the IRC in Baltimore are unpaid. University credit may be arranged. Spring 2025 interns are eligible for per diem reimbursement at the rate of $15 per day (defined as 7.5 hours) to offset the costs of food and travel of the internship. Interns may also be reimbursed for mileage driven for any approved activities (based on round-trip mileage from the IRC office).  
 
Application Process 
•DUE DATE: apply online at www.rescue.org/careers by 11:59 PM ET on Sunday, November 24th. 
•INTERVIEWS: Applicants selected for interviews will be contacted to schedule interviews. Due to the volume of applications, only applicants who are selected for interviews will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted approximately December 12-17.
•OFFERS: Applicants who have interviewed for positions can expect to receive a decision no later than December 27th, 2024. Confirmations will be due at the latest by January 3rd, 2025. 

Equal Opportunity Employer 
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.