Fall 2024: Refugee Housing and Logistics Intern (Unpaid)

Logistics & Procurement

Overview

Assist newly arrived refugees with housing support and logistics.

You have:

• Must be currently enrolled student in an undergraduate or graduate degree program or graduated within one year, preferably studying fields such as Human Rights, International Relations, etc.
• 1+ years related work or volunteer experience with a non-profit strongly preferred.
• Must be a self-starter, enthusiastic, and possess a positive attitude.
• Excellent organization skills, strong communication and interpersonal skills, empathetic, and ability to effectively collaborate.
• Ability to lift 30+ pounds.
• Willingness to drive a moving van.
• A strong interest in working with a diverse, low-income population is required.
• Proactive, motivated and flexible; able to remain calm and adapt within a fast-paced work environment.
• English fluency required. Language skills a plus (Farsi/Dari, Kiswahili, Arabic, or Russian strongly preferred).

Job Description

*Please note: this is an unpaid internship. The in-person position is anticipated to start in August - September 2024.*

IRC IN SAN DIEGO BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading organization providing relief, protection, and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression throughout the U.S. IRC in San Diego has resettled over 31,000 refugees to San Diego County over the past 48 years and provides numerous program services. In San Diego, the IRC opened its doors in 1975 and has grown to serve approximately 7,000 refugee and immigrant individuals from 115 countries of origin each year through 5 different departments.

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK: The Refugee Housing and Logistics Intern will be instrumental in helping newly arrived refugees who face significant barriers to housing to settle into new homes in San Diego by assisting with the entirety of the move in process. The intern will support the Housing and Logistics Team and refugee clients directly. The Resettlement Department consists of two programs; Reception & Placement, and Afghan Integration Resettlement Services. Interns work with clients from both programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Assisting with moves into permanent housing, such as:

- Collection of donations - Transporting supplies and donations to clients - Setting up client apartments with furniture and supplies

- Assisting the Housing Team with IRC-specific paperwork, such as:

- Updating supply lists and safety forms - Inventory of supplies

- Assisting with Housing procurement:

- Research to identify potential new housing partners - Outreach to community partners and new housing partners

- Developing guides and learning materials for client use (examples: rental assistance, resource mapping, local community guides, etc.)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Become familiar with San Diego housing policies, the process of refugee resettlement, and essential steps of setting up new refugee families for success.

2. As part of our international network, learn about the refugee resettlement process from a national and global perspective.

3. Recognize significant barriers to affordable housing and how to navigate negotiating fair rent and communicate professionally with landlords in San Diego.

4. Learn about the refuge population in San Diego.

5. Become familiar with the essential functions and organization of a non-profit office.

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

- Must be currently enrolled student in an undergraduate or graduate degree program or graduated within one year, preferably studying fields such as Human Rights, International Relations, etc. - 1+ years related work or volunteer experience with a non-profit strongly preferred. - Must be a self-starter, enthusiastic, and possess a positive attitude. - Excellent organization skills, strong communication and interpersonal skills, empathetic, and ability to effectively collaborate. - Ability to lift 30+ pounds. - Willingness to drive a moving van. - A strong interest in working with a diverse, low-income population is required. - Proactive, motivated and flexible; able to remain calm and adapt within a fast-paced work environment. - English fluency required. Language skills a plus (Farsi/Dari, Kiswahili, Arabic, or Russian strongly preferred).

This position reports to the Resettlement Supervisor, the Volunteer & Donations Specialist, and the Housing & Logistics Team.

Compensation: This is an unpaid internship opportunity.

Working Environment:

- The Housing & Logistics Internship is in-person at the San Diego office. - San Diego Office hours are scheduled Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm PST. - Preferred schedule is 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at least two days a week

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 2 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: rescue.org