Refugee Employment Coordination Intern - Fall 2024

Assist refugees in economic self-sufficiency through TANF program support.

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IRC - The International Rescue Committee

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Overview

Assist refugees in economic self-sufficiency through TANF program support.

You have:

  • Current undergraduate, graduate student or less than 12 months out of school.
  • Minimum 24 hours per week, three-month commitment and three full working days per week; full-time 32-40 hours per week highly preferred.
  • Able to work independently being self-motivated and mission driven to assist refugees and other humanitarian immigrants.
  • Organized and attentive to detail.
  • Strong digital literacy skills and the ability to learn new software and tasks.
  • Excellent communication and writing skills, including cross-cultural communicative skills.
  • Works well in a dynamic environment and adapts quickly to change.
  • Fluency in Dari, Pashto, Ukrainian, Spanish, Kiswahili, Kinyarwanda, Tigrinya, or Amharic is a plus.
  • Access to an insured vehicle preferred, but not required.

Job Description

BACKGROUND: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our 26 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency. SCOPE OF WORK: The TANF Employment Services Program is designed to enable employable humanitarian immigrants receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to achieve economic self-sufficiency through engagement in Department of Social Services (DSS) mandated work participation activities including employment seeking assistance, volunteering, internship procurement, vocational English as a second language classes and referrals to certificate-bearing professional development courses. The program specializes in providing holistic services to large families to reduce barriers to employment and help the families achieve their goals of becoming self-sufficient. RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Consolidate and organize client service delivery data into appropriate spreadsheets and databases. - Process and submit client time sheets and related documents to the local DSS to ensure compliance with their family’s TANF benefits case. - Conduct individual trainings with clients on understanding and maintaining compliance with public benefits systems in the United States. - Counsel TANF families on available services and activities that will reduce initial barriers outlined and help achieve their goals. - Assist in the coordination of Vocational English as a Second Language classes. - Facilitate and conduct client orientations at volunteer sites to train clients on conducting volunteer tasks with community partners. - Other duties as identified by program coordinator.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

- Intern will become well versed in administrative requirements and regulations, including with government partners. - Intern will learn to communicate effectively with clients across cultures and with interpreters. - Intern will be taught individual coaching techniques to engage and empower adults. - Intern will gain US resettlement agency experience, including knowledge on available programs for humanitarian immigrants. - Intern will learn how to network through fostering new community partnerships and managing existing partnerships.

Qualifications

- Current undergraduate, graduate student or less than 12 months out of school. * - Minimum 24 hours per week, three-month commitment and three full working days per week; full-time 32-40 hours per week highly preferred. - Able to work independently being self-motivated and mission driven to assist refugees and other humanitarian immigrants. - Organized and attentive to detail. - Strong digital literacy skills and the ability to learn new software and tasks. - Excellent communication and writing skills, including cross-cultural communicative skills. - Works well in a dynamic environment and adapts quickly to change. - Fluency in Dari, Pashto, Ukrainian, Spanish, Kiswahili, Kinyarwanda, Tigrinya, or Amharic is a plus. - Access to an insured vehicle preferred, but not required.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment? The interviewer wants to see how you handle unexpected situations and your flexibility in adjusting to new circumstances. Provide an example that highlights your ability to stay productive and positive amidst changes.
How do you ensure clear communication when working with individuals from diverse backgrounds? This question assesses your cultural awareness and communication strategies. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies would you employ to engage a client who is reluctant to participate in the services offered? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 2 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: rescue.org