Refugee Barrier Reduction Intern (Spring 2027)

International Rescue Committee•Silver Spring, MD

2d•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 self-sufficiency in the United States. The role provides clients with application assistance, training, job-application support, and coordination with economic empowerment teams. The position is based in person at the IRC’s Silver Spring office and includes client outings when the office status permits. The internship has a three-month minimum commitment and requires at least 24 hours per week, although another statement in the posting says a minimum of 15 hours per week is required for in-person office work. The position is unpaid; Spring 2027 interns may be eligible for $15 per day in per diem reimbursement toward food and travel. 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. Interns will gain insight into IRC casework and workforce programs and refugee and asylee integration in the United States; develop cross-cultural communication skills, including working with interpreters; and learn individual coaching techniques for engaging and empowering adults.

Requirements

Self-motivated and able to work independently.
Excellent communication and writing skills, including cross-cultural communication skills.
Able to work well in a fast-paced environment and adapt quickly to change.
Strong interest in refugee and asylee issues.
Three-month minimum commitment.
At least 24 hours per week; the posting also states that a minimum of 15 hours per week is required for in-person office work.
Ability to work in person at the Silver Spring office.
Complete background checks if selected.
Submit a resume, cover letter, and list of at least three references with the application.

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

Help clients complete and submit applications that reduce employment barriers, 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 by explaining the U.S. job-application process and assisting with employment applications.
Coordinate with economic empowerment service teams to support clients with barrier reduction throughout service provision.
Engage respectfully with clients regardless of background.
Facilitate and conduct client outings, contingent on office status, to financial institutions, libraries, and other venues that provide needed resources.
Perform other duties as identified by the Family Employment Services (FES) Program Coordinator.