Client Benefits Intern (Summer 2026-UNPAID)

International Rescue Committee•Charlottesville, VA

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. BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading, non-sectarian, non-profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. Domestically, our 29 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: Like many of their neighbors in the community, people who are new to the United States often need to access public benefits while they work towards self-sufficiency. The Client Benefits Intern will support the direct service teams (Employment, Family Wellbeing) in ensuring that clients are able to access and maintain their public benefits, especially SNAP, TANF, RCA, and Medicaid. They will provide services through a strengths-based approach that supports clients in their resettlement journey. Through this internship, the Client Benefits Intern will gain insight into the resettlement process, will gain experience with public policy in practice, and will support our new neighbors at a critical point in their lives.

Requirements

Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree
Good written and verbal communications skills
Strong interpersonal skills and able to engage clients in a counseling role
Reliable, responsible, punctual and professional
Flexible and able to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Comfortable working in a global setting

Nice To Haves

Fluency in languages spoken by clients (Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Kiswahili, French, etc.)

Responsibilities

Attend Volunteer/Intern Orientation
Assist the Client Benefits Specialist in maintaining clients’ public benefits
Liaise with local governments and Departments of Social Services in order to maintain client’s public benefits
Contact clients for reminders about benefit’s interviews, renewals, and other upcoming appointments
Document and appropriately file Department of Social Services notices and communications
Compile and edit local resource sheets and benefits manual for clients
Advocate for clients’ needs with benefits program staff and local governments
Document activities in case files and provide other administrative support as appropriate
Record hours and submit completed timesheet for each month via the IRC’s online Volunteer Dashboard

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
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