Economic Empowerment Intern (Summer 2026 UNPAID)

International Rescue Committee • Charlottesville, VA

7d

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: Finding and maintaining employment is a key element to refugee self-sufficiency. The intern will assist IRC employment staff to identify potential employers and job opportunities for refugee clients. The intern will complete job applications, assist with resume writing, prepare clients for job interviews, fill out new hire paperwork, shop for needed work clothes and tools, and accompany clients to their first day of work. Depending on the intern's schedule, h/she may act as a teaching assistant in job readiness classes. The intern will also provide administrative support including documenting job search activities and delivering appointment notices to clients' homes.

Requirements

• Good written and verbal communications skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and able to engage clients in a counseling/coaching role
• Reliable, responsible, punctual and professional
• Flexible and able to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Comfortable working in a global setting
• A car is required for this internship

Responsibilities

• Conduct employment assessments, create resumes, complete, and cover letters, apply for jobs, prepare clients for interviews, fill out new hire paperwork, accompany clients to interviews, orientations, and first day of work
• Provide post-employment placement follow up support and address and challenges or concerns expressed by client or employer
• Provide support to clients in addressing barriers to self-sufficiency; barriers include: limited English proficiency, lack of work experience, lack of childcare, lack of transportation, etc.
• Develop employer partnerships through research and targeted outreach
• Consolidate and organize client service delivery data into appropriate spreadsheets and databases; track and casenote employment placements and progress, services, and other data in IRC’s database
• Model appropriate workplace dress and manner
• Transport to and assist with employment related activities
• Research potential job openings and complete employment applications
• Document activities in case files and provide other administrative support as appropriate
• Attend Volunteer/Intern Orientation
• Record hours and submit completed timesheet for each month via the IRC’s online Volunteer Dashboard

Benefits

• In the US, these include: 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, and 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.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed