Cultural Orientation Coordination Intern

Job Description

Please note: This is an unpaid internship position. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available.

In addition to completing this application, interested applicants should email a resume, cover letter, and two letters of recommendation to [email protected] with “CO Intern” in the subject line.

BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. In the U.S., the IRC resettles approximately 11,000 refugees per year and provides numerous program services to assist the refugee from their arrival through citizenship. The IRC in Salt Lake City opened it office in 1994, and provides resettlement services through extended case management to newly arrived refugees for up to 24-months as well as over twenty different programs to educate and empower refugees.

The Cultural Orientation Program operates within the IRC SLC’s Education Program and supports monthly Cultural Orientation (CO) training to newly-arrived refugees with the goals of providing the information necessary for refugees to successfully navigate available services, their local community, and broader US society and to promote cross-cultural understanding while encouraging clients’ positive psychosocial adjustment. IRC SLC is also providing CO to a subset of arrivals from Afghanistan who are arriving in the United States over the coming months through the Afghan Placement and Assistance (APA) Program. The internship will also support both newly arrived refugee and the APA COs.

SCOPE OF WORK: With oversight from the Education Program Supervisor and the Cultural Orientation Coordinator the Cultural Orientation (CO) intern will support with logistical preparations for the weekly APA CO as well as the monthly newly arrived refugee CO. This includes preparing the supplies and educational materials, support in client communication, and transportation. The IRC Cultural Orientation intern will also coordinate programming with CO volunteers for children between the ages of 2-11 years of age during the CO sessions including the facilitation of group games and educational activities, as well as field trips to local museums or parks. APA CO sessions occur every Friday between January and March from 9am-2pm and resettled CO sessions occur on a monthly basis Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am-2pm. Intern applicant should have availability during some of these sessions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the Cultural Orientation Coordinator with all preparation for the sessions, including printing educational materials, follow up communication with IRC SLC caseworkers regarding attendance, setting up the venue, gathering information about the clients, and letting presenters knows the date, time, and venue.

• Assist Cultural Orientation Coordinator with collecting CO-specific data and gathering feedback from clients to inform program improvement.

• Coordinate programming with CO volunteers for children between the ages of 2-11 years of age during the CO sessions.

• Prepare all client’s CO Assessments prior to each CO session.

• Provide assessments to client’s post each CO session with an interpreter.

• Other duties as assigned.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. The intern will gain professional experience in working with diverse groups of clients.

2. The intern will deepen understanding of program design, data tracking, and evaluation.

3. The intern will gain experience with cross-cultural communication and strength-based approach service delivery.

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• Previous experience working with refugees a plus.

• High School graduate and current university student, interested in anthropology, sociology or social science.

• Experience with MS Word, MS Excel, or some coding in R+.

• Organize data and can interpret the data.

• Committed to at least 12 weeks working a minimum of 15 hours per week.

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English; fluency in a refugee language helpful.

• Independent and able to accomplish tasks efficiently and in a timely manner.

• Pass IRC background check, including driving history report. May be asked to drive families in personal vehicle.

This is an unpaid internship position. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available.

Interested applicants should email a resume, cover letter, and two letters of recommendation to [email protected] with “CO Intern” in the subject line.

IRC POLICIES & ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires candidates who are selected for interview to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for any in-person role/position.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

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.