Refugee Resettlement Intern (Spring 2027)

International Rescue Committee•Silver Spring, MD

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The refugee resettlement team supports refugees and other eligible humanitarian immigrants during their initial resettlement period in the United States. Before clients arrive, the team coordinates airport pick-ups and prepares housing and furnishings. After arrival, it provides support such as cultural orientation, connections to eligible benefits, and referrals to internal and external service providers, with the goal of helping clients reach economic self-sufficiency and social integration. The intern reports to a caseworker or the casework supervisor. This is an unpaid, in-person internship at the IRC Silver Spring office. The posting describes a four-month commitment and 24 to 37.5 hours per week, generally three to five days per week. 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. Eligible interns may receive per diem reimbursement of $15 per day to offset food and travel 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

Commit to four months and work 24 to 37.5 hours per week, in person at the IRC office.
Have a valid driver's license and access to a personal, insured vehicle.
Be willing and able to transport, lift, and move items to set up homes and support new client arrivals, including carrying items weighing 50 pounds or more and occasionally larger items such as furniture.
Have proficient digital literacy skills, including Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word, and the ability to learn new software and tasks.
Be organized and attentive to detail.
Be able to work independently and multitask.
Have strong verbal and written communication skills.
Have an interest in working in a multicultural environment.
Have knowledge of, or an interest in learning about, client benefits and community resources.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in Dari, Haitian Creole, Pashto, or Spanish.

Responsibilities

Assist with home set-ups before client arrival, including lifting, moving, unpacking, assembling, and transporting household supplies, furniture, and food.
Pick up clients from the airport, transport them home in a personal vehicle, and provide a new-home orientation.
Support clients with applications for eligible public benefits, Medicaid, Social Security cards, and other services.
Orient clients to the local public transit system by conducting bus orientations in the field.
Refer clients to external services, including English classes and medical screenings.
Conduct check-in calls and send messages to clients to determine the status of unresolved service provision, and provide guidance or assistance with support from the intern supervisor.
Research and develop community resources to fill service gaps as needed.
Record client interactions and service provision in compliance with funder requirements by entering data into Microsoft Excel and databases.
Perform other duties as assigned.