Fall Internship - Economic Empowerment Intern - Unpaid

Support job placement efforts for refugee clients at IRC.

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IRC - The International Rescue Committee

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Overview

Support job placement efforts for refugee clients at IRC.

You have:

  • Enrollment as an undergraduate or graduate student, or recent graduate.
  • Willingness to communicate with speakers with limited English proficiency using available platforms.
  • Openness to working with people from varied backgrounds.
  • Basic understanding of US job search processes and work culture.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel.
  • Proficiency in another language desirable but not required.
  • Ability to transport clients in a reliable vehicle.

Job Description

The Economic Empowerment Intern will will support job placement efforts for refugee clients at the IRC in Denver. This opportunity allows interns to work closely with refugee clients and assist them as they find employment and enter the U.S. workforce.

Time Commitment: 10-15 hours per week for one semester August 26-December 13, 2026; regular schedule each week during business hours 9 am – 5 pm.

Location: IRC Denver office, 1873 S. Bellaire St, Suite 500, Denver, CO 80222

Reports to: Matching Grant Coordinator under the direction of the Economic Empowerment Supervisor.

Duties:

- Assist clients with aspects of the job search process, including resumes, applications, interviews, preparation, new hire paperwork, and post-placement follow up. - Specific projects could include: career services and job upgrades, youth employment, industry specific employer outreach, and data analysis. - Interns can also participate in Job club with other Employment specialists to present work-related information. Communicate with clients with limited English proficiency using simplified English or use our interpretation services as needed. - Call/text clients to give reminders, coordinate attendance at events (Job fairs, Job club, job tours, picking up rent checks etc.) Communicate updates related to client progress to supervisor

If comfortable, interns may engage in giving rides to client interviews, meet with employers and/ or give rides to job fairs Mileage reimbursement can be offered.

Learning objectives:

The Economic Empowerment Interns will learn about the challenges faced by refugees in the US and explore ways to help them overcome barriers and work towards self-sufficiency as well as economic stability. They will learn about the importance of budgeting, employment and cash assistance in determining economic self-sufficiency. They will gain skills in engaging with community members, employment specialists, and employer related companies regarding refugee populations and learn how the resettlement process works.

To Apply: Submit a resume and cover letter addressing how your experience and skills meet the requirements of this internship. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview with supervisor.

Please note: This is an unpaid internship and no compensation or relocation assistance is offered.

Qualifications

Required Skills:

- Enrollment as undergraduate or graduate student, or recent graduate - Willingness to communicate with speakers with limited English proficiency Platforms such as language line, Tarjimly, and Google Translate will be at your disposal. - Openness to working with people from varied backgrounds. - Basic understanding of US job search processes and work culture. - Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel.

Preferred Skills:

- Proficiency in another language desirable but not required. - Be able to transport clients in a reliable vehicle.

Potential interview questions

Describe a time when you had to assist someone from a different cultural background. What challenges did you face? The interviewer wants to assess your ability to work with diverse populations and understand cultural sensitivities. Share an experience where you successfully navigated cultural differences, highlighting your empathy and communication skills.
How would you approach a client who has limited English proficiency? This question evaluates your communication skills and creativity in problem-solving under challenging circumstances. Pro members can see the explanation.
What do you think are the most significant barriers faced by refugees in the workforce? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: rescue.org