Occupational Therapy Life Skills Trainer Intern

International Rescue Committee • Salt Lake, UT

5d

About The Position

The Occupational Therapy Life Skills Trainer Intern supports the International Rescue Committee’s occupational therapy program in Utah, which provides supplementary life skills training alongside case management services. Under the supervision and direction of a licensed staff occupational therapist, the intern works with refugee and immigrant individuals and families to build skills and alternative approaches for everyday activities and self-sufficiency. Training may address budgeting, paying bills, banking, using public transit, medication management, developing safe routines at home, and accessing community resources such as scheduling appointments. Specialized support may include job readiness and pre-driving training. The role is similar to an occupational therapy aide position in other settings and offers an opportunity to learn about the occupational therapy profession.

The internship requires a commitment of 10–20 hours per week for 10–12 weeks. Internships are unpaid. Mileage reimbursement is available when using a personal vehicle, and eligible interns may receive a nominal per diem reimbursement under current intern reimbursement policies. The listed start date is January 12, 2027, with the final date to be confirmed.

The internship provides experience in the public health sector, teaching life skills in a community setting, communicating with clients and English language learners (including through interpreters), collaborating with IRC professionals, and learning about occupational therapy and related professions.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, or graduated less than six months ago.
• Interest in working with diverse populations.
• Motivated and flexible, with the ability to work independently.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 and data entry.
• Valid driver’s license and insurance, access to a personal vehicle, and willingness to drive clients.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English.
• Complete the IRC background check and all related orientations and trainings.

Nice To Haves

• Fluency in additional languages.
• Background in occupational therapy, health promotion, social work, or another related field.

Responsibilities

• Work one-on-one with a variety of clients to provide life skills training activities in homes and around the community, under the direction of the staff occupational therapist.
• Assist with group training, including coordinating interpretation, preparing for groups, and managing group dynamics.
• Collaborate with caseworkers, community health workers, and other IRC teams to support client goals.
• Write case notes documenting completed activities and progress toward goals, and help ensure interventions provide positive support.
• Attend staff meetings as scheduling allows.
• Assist the staff occupational therapist and occupational therapy students as assigned.
• Support the IRC Utah office with other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Mileage reimbursement when using a personal vehicle.
• Eligible interns receive a nominal per diem reimbursement aligned with current intern reimbursement policies.

What This Job Offers

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