JOB DESCRIPTION

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world”s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world”s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you”re a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW: The IRC in Denver’s Survivors of Torture Project is facilitated under a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). This program provides direct services to survivors of torture (SOTs). The program delivers services to support survivors and their families in their rehabilitation. Services include in-house casework, psychosocial support and legal services, as well as medical and mental health services provided by referral to community partners.

SCHEDULE: 10-15 hours per week (6 month minimum; 6+ months preferred)

START DATE: January 7, 2026

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist SOT Caseworker (CW) in developing action plans for clients following determination meeting
• Assist clients who are ineligible for SOT services get connected to other supportive services internally at IRC or in the Denver Metro Community
• Provide psychoeducation to clients related to accessing mental health and physical health services and client rights related to treatment
• Support clients in accessing navigation of transportation system to locations for needed community-based services
• Work with clients to address personal and sociocultural barriers to accessing services
• Follow up on referrals with client and providers to identify potential areas for escalated need
• Engage in safety planning with assistance of CW as needed
• Support CW in providing capacity building training to interpreters and community partners
• Other duties as required

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

The SOT casework Intern will gain experience working with a diverse population managing complex experiences of trauma, particularly those navigating refugee, asylee or asylum-seeking status. The Intern will develop skills creating action plans, developing safety plans with the possibility of facilitating mental health assessments. Intern will learn and gain a deeper understanding of mental health and psychosocial support services in the Denver Metro area and contribute to developing new services as needs arise. The intern will also learn to facilitate and implement trauma informed practices and build capacity in community and organizational partners to follow suit.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Graduate student pursuing a degree in psychology, counseling, social work or related field
• Comfort and ability to work with refugees and asylees who have experienced complex trauma related to war and violence, specifically torture
• Demonstrated understanding of implementing trauma informed practices
• Understand how to critically examine and implement relevant evidence-based practices
• Demonstrated commitment to client confidentiality and management of sensitive personal and legal information
• Demonstrated ability and commitment to working cross culturally with English language learners and diverse populations
• Ability to manage time effectively and work independently as needed
• Ability to work within a team to provide holistic and integrated services to clients
• Strong computer proficiency, including MS Office, internet applications and databases
• Flexible and responsive to the changing needs of clients and the changing dynamics of the current socio-political system

TO APPLY:
Interested applicants should submit an online application here. Qualified applicants will be selected for an initial phone screening starting in late October and continuing through mid-December or until all positions are filled. Spring intern orientation will be held January 7, 2026.

QUESTIONS? Email [email protected]

This is an unpaid internship position. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.

Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

Cookies: https://careers.rescue.org/us/en/cookiesettings

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.