Cultural Orientation Intern

Job Description

With oversight from the Reception & Placement (R&P) Supervisor and other resettlement staff, the Cultural Orientation (CO) Intern will assist case management staff in providing cultural orientation, an intensive social adjustment course for all newly arrived refugees, which focuses on essential information for new Americans through content-based instruction. The class aims to familiarize students with their new environment and prepare them for the daily challenges of living as part of the DFW community. Intern will support timely coordination and scheduling of classes in collaboration with colleagues, assist with program and data management, and teach as needed using IRC’s established curriculum.

COMMITMENT: 4-6 months, at least 15 hours per week

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

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinate CO classes for R&P adult clients within the 90-day service period, including scheduling, delivery, and classroom setup and preparation.

• Coordinate and schedule with clients, caseworkers, interns, interpreters, and community partners on orientations, trainings, enrollments, and appointments

• Teach cultural orientation workshops (2-3 hours each) using IRC’s curriculum and materials

• Complete post-CO Assessments for R&P adult clients to assess client comprehension

• Track completion and document delivery of all services by entering case notes in a timely fashion and filing necessary documentation within requisite systems

• Attend training and regular meetings with the Orientation and ESL Specialist

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Student will learn about refugee resettlement and refugee social services

2. Student will develop problem solving and client services skills

3. Student will get hands-on experience working with refugee populations soon after they arrive in the US

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

- Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and be able to provide proof of vaccination. - Must be located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and be willing to intern in person. - Undergraduate level studies in education, social sciences, international relations/studies or a related field. - Language proficiency strongly preferred in Spanish, Arabic, Dari/Farsi, Pashto, Kiswahili - Display sensitivity & respect to cultural & personality differences, beliefs and values of refugee clients. - Knowledge of student-centered teaching strategies and adult learning principles - Ability to work independently and with high attention to detail - Competency in Microsoft Office, data tracking, and file management - Exceptional communication skills, especially in remote environment. - Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment. - Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy.

Interested applicants should email a resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line Cultural Orientation Intern.

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

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.