Child Protection Intern

***** NOTE: This is an unpaid internship. *******

SCOPE OF WORK: The Child Protection Intern will assist the Child Protection Team with the provision of services to recently arrived unaccompanied children as they adjust to their new lives in the US. An unaccompanied child is defined as a minor under the age of eighteen who has arrived in the United States without documentation and without the presence of a parent or legal guardian. After their release from a shelter run by the Office of Refugee Resettlement and into the care of a sponsor, a minor can be recommended for Post Release Services to ensure that they are successfully connected with the resources and services needed to promote their successful integration into their new communities. The intern will have the opportunity to play a key role in providing organizational support to the Child Protection Team by performing a variety of clerical and administrative duties, in addition to helping to build a strong network with community providers who can provide key services to clients.

The Child Protection Interns work closely with the casework staff throughout their internship, assisting and learning about all aspects of the casework program.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

- Intern will learn about the Unaccompanied Children Program as well as various social services available to undocumented immigrants. - Intern will develop problem solving skills, client services skills, and intercultural social work skills. - Intern will learn how to manage client cases within established deadlines, to provide the best service possible to a vulnerable population.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Assist caseworkers with building and maintaining case files to ensure that all requirements for documentation are met consistently throughout the provision of Post Release Services. - Assist caseworkers in building a strong network with local service providers who are available to provide needed services and resources with unaccompanied minors through research and outreach initiatives. - Refer unaccompanied minors to resources and services, as well as schedule any appointments, as necessary and instructed by the casework staff. - Research services and resources applicable to the UC program to facilitate the referral process. - Ensure client success with a strong emphasis on education and empowerment through high quality service that encourages clients to thrive in their community. - Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy. - Practice sensitivity to cultural and personality differences of clients by respecting their beliefs and values. - Provide translation and interpretation when necessary.

Qualifications - Bilingual in Spanish is required. - Undergraduate level studies in International Relations, Social Sciences, or related Global field. - Cultural awareness of and sensitivity to this vulnerable immigrant population, and a strong desire to help unaccompanied minors adjust to life in the U.S. - Demonstrate ability to communicate and work as a team member in a cross-cultural environment. - Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail. - Culturally competent and effective communication skills. - Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment. - Patience, understanding, flexibility with a consistent positive attitude. - Engaged in learning about broader IRC mission, philosophy, global work, and local efforts. - Willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies. - IRC orientation and full background check (Live Scan & HireRight) required.