Refugee Barrier Reduction Intern (Spring 2027)

International Rescue Committee • Silver Spring, MD

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Refugee Barrier Reduction Intern supports the International Rescue Committee’s economic empowerment program by helping humanitarian migrants reduce barriers to employment and achieve economic self-sufficiency in the United States. The role includes assisting clients with applications, delivering training, supporting job application activities, coordinating with economic empowerment teams, and facilitating outings to connect clients with resources. The internship is unpaid and based in person at the IRC’s Silver Spring office. Spring 2027 interns are expected to attend an in-person orientation on January 25, 2027, from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The position requires a minimum commitment of three months and 24 hours per week; the posting also states that in-person work at the Silver Spring office and a minimum of 15 hours per week are required. Interns may be eligible for $15 per day in per diem reimbursement for food and travel expenses. Applicants must complete background checks and are asked to make a $30 donation to help cover associated costs. Candidates who are not enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program and are more than 12 months from graduation may apply and will be processed as volunteers.

Requirements

• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Excellent communication and writing skills, including cross-cultural communication skills.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt quickly to change.
• Strong interest in refugee and asylee issues.
• Minimum commitment of three months.
• Required availability of 24 hours per week.
• Ability to work in person at the Silver Spring office and a minimum of 15 hours per week.
• Selected applicants must complete background checks.

Nice To Haves

• Language skills in Spanish, Amharic, Dari, Pashto, Haitian-Creole, French, Kinyarwanda, or Swahili.
• Current students and recent graduates are preferred.
• Full-time availability is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients with completing and submitting applications that reduce barriers to employment, such as childcare voucher and LifeLine phone applications.
• Conduct training on public transportation, childcare options, digital literacy, job readiness, and understanding public benefits.
• Support clients during Job Application Hours so they can understand the U.S. job application process and submit employment applications.
• Coordinate with economic empowerment service teams to support clients with barrier-reduction issues during service provision.
• Engage respectfully with all clients regardless of background.
• Facilitate and conduct client outings, contingent on office status, to financial institutions, libraries, and other venues to connect clients with resources.
• Perform other duties identified by the Family Employment Services Program Coordinator.

Benefits

• Unpaid internship.
• May be eligible for $15 per day in per diem reimbursement to offset food and travel costs.
• Scholarship opportunities may be available through the applicant’s university or the IRC Silver Spring Community Engagement Coordinator.

What This Job Offers

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