TITLE: Resettlement Casework Internship
LOCATION: Des Moines, IA
START DATE: January 2024
DURATION: 3-5 Months, Minimum of 10 hours per week
BACKGROUND:
The International Rescue Committee is the leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. The IRC is committed to freedom, human dignity, and self-reliance. This commitment is reflected in well-planned resettlement assistance, global emergency relief, rehabilitation, and advocacy for refugees. Founded in 1933, the IRC is a global leader in emergency relief, rehabilitation, protection of human rights, post-conflict development, resettlement services and advocacy for those uprooted or affected by conflict and oppression. The resettlement office in Des Moines IA provides services to newly arrived refugees.
The Des Moines, IA office was opened in July of 2022, serving more than 200 refugees in its first year.
SCOPE OF INTERN WORK:
The case management program includes providing core services to new arrivals, and helping clients work towards self-sufficiency during their first two years in the U.S. in the areas of health, employment, finances, education, housing, family, and community. Under the supervision of the Casework Supervisor, the Resettlement Casework Intern will focus primarily on job experience and shadowing, learning the core services delivered under the U.S. resettlement program, and building the capacity of the current casework team by assisting in the everyday work of caseworkers.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: RESPONSABILITIES.
Job shadows the casework team with the goal to understand the core services delivered under the U.S. resettlement program.
Build the capacity of the casework team by learning about and supporting the following activities:
Helping clients apply for public benefits and personal documents, i.e. social security cards.
Enrolling families in English as a Second Language classes
Enrolling children in public schools.
Greeting families at the airport upon their arrival and supporting their transition into the hotel.
Assist caseworker’s efforts to find adequate and sustainable employment for their clients by:
Creating a sample resume for clients to use and adapt for job applications
Assist Caseworkers in case noting activities with clients, case filing, and supporting the team to complete various tasks.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Gain exposure to interacting with diverse communities, cultures, and backgrounds.
Deepen understanding of the unique barriers, challenges, and assets of the refugee and immigrant communities.
Gain industry knowledge of the U.S. refugee resettlement program and its core services.
Gain some experience in working directly with clients to support their goals.
Interns will also learn about documentation required by the government and they will become familiar with working with government entities such as the Social Security Administration and US Citizenship & Immigration.
REQUIREMENTS: PREFERRED SKILLS
Background in social work OR other related fields
Experience and moderate efficiency with Microsoft products.
Ability to work efficiently and accurately under multiple demands and frequent interruptions.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Bi-lingual students especially wanted.
Experience working with English language learners
This is an unpaid internship position, but a daily stipend for meals and mileage will be provided.
Interested applicants should visit https://www.rescue.org/volunteer-opportunities/des-moines-ia and apply, being sure to attached a current resume and cover letter. Email iowa@rescue.org for more information.
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.