Winter/Spring Internship - Housing Casework Intern - Unpaid

International Rescue Committee
mileage reimbursement
United States, Colorado, Denver
Dec 28, 2024
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. INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW: The Housing Casework Intern will work directly with newly arrived refugees to assess their housing needs, orient them to US housing practices, and provide individualized follow up support as clients work towards self-sufficient housing management. They will help with apartment showings and set ups to make sure housing is ready upon or shortly after arrival for Colorado's newest refugees. They will also work with multiple IRC teams to develop a variety of client-facing housing materials. LOCATION: IRC Denver Office and in the Community COMMITMENT: 10-15 hours per week; during business hours only 9 am - 5 pm; January 6 - May 16, 2025. Weekly schedule to be determined by supervisor and intern. COMPENSATION: This is an unpaid internship. Interns receive mileage reimbursement when duties include driving. RESPONSIBILITIES: Meet with newly arrived refugee clients to discuss their housing needs and priorities and explain IRC housing services Help clients review and sign apartment leases. Help setup utilities for clients and provide client education on bill pay Travel to site visits and meetings at apartment complexes Help with apartment set ups and ensure each home has required items Provide housing orientation for newly arrived refugee clients ensuring they know how to use appliances, make maintenance requests, etc. Assist in research and development of client facing housing education materials Provide follow up housing support to clients, facilitating communication and education about housing as needed LEARNING OBJECTIVES: The Housing Casework Intern will develop the skills of listening for understanding and motivational interviewing as their work directly with clients. They will gain experience teaching and coaching a diverse refugee population. They will learn about navigating the housing market in Denver for the refugee population. Interns will acquire detailed knowledge about the reception and placement period for newly arrived refugees, core resettlement services provided during this time, and public benefits available for refugees and asylees. SUPERVISION: This position reports to the Housing Coordinator. This is an unpaid internship position. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available. TO APPLY: Interested applicants should submit an application, along with a cover letter, resume and writing sample here: https://irc-global.my.salesforce-sites.com/volunteer Qualified applicants will be selected for an initial phone screening with the Volunteer Coordinator. QUESTIONS? Email ircdenver.volunteer@rescue.org 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. Minimum Qualifications: Required skills Organized and detail-oriented Some experience with renting, moving, paying bills, operating household appliances Some heavy lifting during housing set-ups required Willingness to transport clients, reliable vehicle, driver's license, and insurance Preferred skills: Interpersonal communication, advocacy, public speaking, Microsoft Suite experience 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.