Community Integration 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 Community Integration Intern will provide refugees recently resettled in San Jose with an opportunity to connect with other refugees and members of the larger San Jose community, and strengthen positive relationships. This position supports recently arrived refugees’ integration into their new communities by providing activities and events for refugees to engage with the larger San Jose community and vice versa.

COMMITMENT:

Minimum 15 hours per week for 4 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 AM to 4:00 PM. Weekend and evening availability may be required for trainings and events.

This internship is unpaid.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS:

• Meet weekly with Resettlement Manager to discuss community events and other opportunities to engage refugee clients
• Establish, coordinate, and implement monthly outings for refugee families
• Collaborate with Volunteer Coordinator to identify ways to bring the refugee community and volunteer community together
• Work with Resettlement Manager to bring together refugee clients for quarterly gatherings with community partners

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
• "Can-do" attitude
• Strong communication skills

REWARDS:

• Gain familiarity in cross-cultural training techniques, skills development
• Learn about various challenges faced by new arrivals in the U.S.
• Network with community partners and local landlords

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