Anti-Trafficking Intern

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ABOUT THE IRC:

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. The IRC responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our 26 offices across the U.S. work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency, and ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing

IRC SAN JOSE:

As one of the IRC’s 26 domestic offices, the San Jose office serves refugees, asylees, special immigrants from Iraq and Afghanistan, and victims of human trafficking in Santa Clara County. Since opening in 1975, the San Jose office has resettled over 20,000 refugees, who in turn have helped to build a stronger community. A committed staff of professionals and volunteers provide essential case management and immigration services to immigrant families, providing them with the resources and tools to rebuild their lives with safety and dignity.

SCOPE OF WORK:

The Anti-Trafficking Program serves foreign national survivors of human trafficking: assessing client needs, connecting with law enforcement and legal aid, providing orientation and counseling, and limited financial aid. Because of the highly sensitive nature of the immigration experience for survivors of human trafficking, the program provides intensive case management and all staff and volunteers operate under strict confidentiality and trauma-informed protocol. Interns primarily work in the office with some field work for outreach or direct services. Interns may collaborate and assist with case management services in the refugee resettlement program, as well. Under the supervision of the caseworker, interns aid in the client’s personal development toward security and self-sufficiency.

This position reports to the Anti-Trafficking Caseworker.

COMMITMENT:

Minimum 15 hours per week for 4-6 months, with a courtesy notice of at least 2 weeks prior to leaving the organization. Hours can be completed during normal business hours of Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Late afternoon and weekend availability may be requested for events.

This internship is unpaid.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS:

• Identify and create partnerships with community organizations to refer clients for care in health, housing, or employment development
• Research community groups for specific demographics to connect clients for further social assistance, integration, and translation services
• Represent the IRC at community events to raise awareness on the issue of human trafficking and the IRC’s services
• Coordinate essential furniture and household goods donations for clients in need
• Assist clients with applications for public benefits programs such as screening for eligibility, preparing documents, and coordinating transportation and language services at appointments
• Assist with providing cultural orientation and long-term resource referrals
• Manage case files, notes, and receipts of direct assistance
• Other related tasks as needed in refugee resettlement, ESL, employment development, and immigration programs

REQUIREMENTS:

• Proficiency in other languages highly desirable (i.e. Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Arabic, Tigrinya, Farsi, Dari, Pashto, or Swahili)
• Must be reliable and willing to work independently and as part of a team
• Must be flexible and willing to help other teams and departments as needed
• A willingness to learn about the diverse ethnic backgrounds of clients and adhere to IRC volunteer/intern and workplace policies
• Ability and willingness to drive clients to and from appointments, and/or help teach clients to take public transportation. Work-related driving would be reimbursed.
• Perform front-of-office reception and administrative tasks while in office
• An interest in international, refugee, and human rights issues
• Enrollment in a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree program
• Case management and trauma-informed or survivor-centered experience required
• Extensive background or previous study and interest in human rights, forced migration, and/or human trafficking
• Excellent adaptability and communication skills across programs
• Proven ability to work with consideration and respect for cross-cultural differences
• Strong computer skills in MS Office (i.e. Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher) and website/media account management
• Dependability and initiative to work with minimal supervision
• Strong proficiency in a foreign language, particularly Spanish
• Driving ability (i.e. reliable vehicle, driver’s license, auto insurance and clean driving record) preferred

REWARDS:

• Hands-on experience dealing with the practical aspects of helping survivors of human trafficking regain control of their lives and become self-sufficient
• Direct experience in anti-trafficking advocacy, immigration policies, and social work
• Meaningful contribution to the movement against human trafficking in the Bay Area
• Comprehensive overview and experience with resettlement, immigration relief, education, and economic development for displaced people and special immigrants
• Daily interaction and learning experience with people from a diverse range of cultures
• Sharpen skills in administration, networking, and developing resources in a nonprofit

APPLY:

• Complete an online application here : http://bit.ly/IRCVolunteerApplicationSJ
  • Applications must include a resume and cover letter in a single PDF file. Please tailor your cover letter to include the following:
    • Up to three positions of interest ranked in order of preference
    • Time availability, i.e. specific days and times each week, your anticipated start and end dates for interning, and your immediate interview availability, if different from internship availability
    • Any requirements for filing your internship for school credit, e.g. total number of hours to be completed or filing deadline
    • Once your application is received, qualified candidates will be invited to schedule a phone screening

For more information on the application process and timeline, visit our internship page at https://www.rescue.org/announcement/fall-internships-san-jose-2018