SCOPE OF INTERN SERVICE:

The case management program includes providing core services to new arrivals, and helping clients work towards self-sufficiency in the U.S. in the areas of health, employment, finances, education, housing, family, and community. Under the supervision of the Caseworker, the Spring 2025 Cuban/Haitian Entrant (CHE) Casework Intern will focus primarily on gaining experience in the field of resettlement, learning and implementing the Cuban-Haitian Entrant Program services outlined under the U.S. resettlement program, and building the capacity of the current casework team by assisting in the everyday work of caseworkers.

Please note this is an unpaid internship position.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Gain exposure to interacting with diverse communities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Deepen understanding of the unique barriers, challenges, and assets of the refugee and immigrant communities.
• Gain industry knowledge of the U.S. refugee resettlement program and its core services.
• Gain experience in working directly with clients to support their goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Job shadows the casework team with the goal to understand the core services delivered under the U.S. resettlement program.
• Build the capacity of the casework team by learning about and supporting the following activities:
  • Helping clients follow up on status of important documents (e.g., social security cards)
  • Enrolling families in English language training (ELT) classes
  • Enrolling children in public schools.
  • Teaching clients how to navigate public transportation.
• Providing general administrative support such as case notes and uploading documentation into case files.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be a current undergraduate student, graduate student, or less than 12 months past graduation.
• Access to a personal vehicle/reliable transportation; IRC Louisville cannot support securing transportation or housing for interns.
• Candidates must be a U.S. citizen or must have active and compliant visas and work authorization status in the United States (the IRC must not be represented as a sponsor or host in any application, filing, or other context for an intern).
• Primary availability during IRC business hours (M-F; 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
• Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially.
• Strong intercultural communication skills, including demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and across language barriers.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
• Previous experience working with vulnerable populations preferred, but not required.
• Education and/or experience working in social work/social services preferred, but not required.
• Comfortable with Microsoft Excel and willingness to learn to use new software for data entry.
• Adherence to IRC volunteer/intern and workplace policies
• Spoken and written fluency/proficiency in English required.
• Spoken and written fluency in Spanish required.

TRAINING & GUIDANCE

• In-depth training will be provided for interns to understand IRC programming and the various needs of clients accessing IRC services. Interns will receive training on IRC’s federal R&P and APA service agreements and their programmatic requirements for resettlement services.
• Interns with client languages who could serve as an interpreter will receive guidance on policies when interpreting. Other activity specific training will be provided as needed.
• Flexibility, initiative, and a desire to collaborate are essential qualities for this intern opportunity. A high-level of confidentiality is required when working with IRC clients.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.