Healthcare & Legal Assistance Intern
Assist refugees with healthcare and legal needs
Overview
Assist refugees with healthcare and legal needs
You have:
- Background in Social Work, Healthcare, Public Health, Prelaw OR other related fields
- Experience working with refugees or diverse populations
- Strong computer skill with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
- Demonstrated ability to communicate and work as a team member in a cross-cultural environment
- Motivated, flexible and ability to work independently, prioritize, and manage time effectively
- Preferred, but not necessary: fluency in Arabic, Swahili, Dari, Kinyarwanda or French
The International Rescue Committee is the leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. The IRC is committed to freedom, human dignity, and self-reliance. This commitment is reflected in well-planned resettlement assistance, global emergency relief, rehabilitation, and advocacy for refugees.
Founded in 1933, the IRC is a global leader in emergency relief, rehabilitation, protection of human rights, post-conflict development, resettlement services and advocacy for those uprooted or affected by conflict and oppression. The resettlement office in Salt Lake City provides services to newly arrived refugees.
SCOPE OF WORK:
The Social Healthcare Intern will be providing core services to victims of political torture, domestic violence victims, youth refugees, single head of households, disabled refugees and refugees with PTSD. You will be assisting clients get adequate healthcare, connection to benefits, housing, connection to ESL resources, assist with immigration documents, connection to mental health services and connection to community. You will be immersed in Middle Eastern and African cultures while assisting clients to be able to navigate United States culture and legal systems.
No day will be the same, lots of exposure to multiple disciplines. Our main goal is to get clients self-sufficient and happy. (This would be a great internship for Pre-Law students, Social Work students or Nursing students). If you don’t know a skill, ICM Supervisor will teach. With successful completion of internship, Supervisor will give an outstanding letter of recommendation.
Essential Functions:
- Health Stabilization: healthcare assessment including medication compliance, primary care connection, wheelchair/walker education, and connection to specialty care - Social Work: mental health stabilization including referrals to Huntsman Mental Health, - County Social Work, NAMI, West Ministers Community Clinic and Training Center, Thrive, Youth Services and Utah LGBTQ+ (lots of co-regulation skills exposure) - Legal Stabilization: help refugees navigate legal systems through referrals to Legal Aid, legal advocacy for DV victims, divorce documents, protective orders, and assistance in citizenship document process - Core Services: assist clients with State Benefits including food stamps and cash assistance, General Assistance applications, HEAT applications, Compassionate Care SSI Advocacy, and Social Security Applications - Needs assessment, budgeting, action plans, doctor visits and home visits - Files, case notes, data entry, participation in case staffing and staff meetings
*You will have the support of ICM supervisor for training and education
*This is a refugee advocacy position, you do not need certifications or licensure, but it is a good way to prepare for future licensure in various fields
Qualifications Requirements:
Background in Social Work, Healthcare, Public Health, Prelaw OR other related fields
Experience working with refugees or diverse populations
Motivated, flexible and ability to work independently, prioritize, and manage time effectively
Strong computer skill with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
Demonstrated ability to communicate and work as a team member in a cross-cultural environment
IRC orientation and background check required
Position Logistics:
Length of Service: 3 months, January 13th – April 25th
Compensation: UNPAID
Hours: 20-30 hours a week, in 4+ hour blocks
Program Manager: Laura Gatten
Preferred, but not necessary: fluency in Arabic, Swahili, Dari, Kinyarwanda or French
*It is not expected that you have fluency in all legal, social and healthcare areas, just a willingness to learn
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a situation where you had to assist someone from a different cultural background? | The interviewer wants to assess your experience and comfort level in diverse settings. | Share your experience, focusing on understanding and respect for cultural differences. |
| How would you handle a challenging case with a refugee client? | This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and empathy. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies would you use to communicate effectively with clients who have limited English proficiency? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe your experience working in a team environment. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What motivates you to work in refugee assistance? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |