Summer 2026: Asylum Seekers and Families Program Intern (Unpaid)

International Rescue Committee•San Diego, CA

23d•Hybrid

About The Position

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future. IRC 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 50 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 ASYLUM SEEKERS AND FAMILIES PROGRAM INTERN WORK: In this internship, students will have the opportunity to contribute to the Asylum Seekers and Families program through community engagement and outreach as well as by supporting case management.

Requirements

Education: Must be currently enrolled in an Associate’s, Bachelor’s or Master’s program focused on social work, women’s/gender studies, public health, business, communication, economics, finance, public policy, public administration, social sciences or a related field.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, desire to learn and contribute, excellent organization and time-management skills, proactive, motivated, and flexible; ability to take direction (written and oral) and to complete tasks independently
Fluent in written and spoken English.
Current driver license and insurance required.

Nice To Haves

Work Experience (Preferred): Prior experience in case work, working with clients with a variety of immigration statuses, familiarity with refugee and asylee populations helpful, but not required.
Demonstrated success working and communicating with people of varied English-speaking abilities strongly preferred.
Language Skills: Proficiency in Farsi, Dari, Spanish, Pashto, Arabic, Swahili or Russian preferred.
Steady and regular availability is greatly preferred; flexible shifts will not work well for this internship

Responsibilities

Support case management for asylum seekers and families
Drive and accompany clients to appointments such as health check-ups, legal consults, school enrollments, etc.
Accompany clients on bus/metro trips to help them learn routes on the San Diego public transit system
Conduct outreach, including development of materials and presentations
Network for and develop community partnerships and collaborations
Contribute to monitoring and evaluation of Safety & Wellness Department
Conducting screening calls for potential clients, working with interpreters and determining eligibility for the program

Benefits

10 sick days
10 US holidays
20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure
medical insurance starting at $163 per month
dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month
FSA for healthcare and commuter costs
a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching
disability & life insurance
an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

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