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.

BACKGROUND

The International Rescue Committee (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 28 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and that they are connected to community support systems. The IRC works with refugees, immigrants, and survivors of trafficking to help them gain self-sufficiency.

SCOPE OF INTERN SERVICE:

The Education & Youth Services (EYS) program is part of the IRC’s holistic and integrated approach to resettlement. EYS assist refugee youth and their families in navigating the U.S. education system in the Louisville area. The Spring 2026 After-School Program Intern will support the EYS team in creating a safe and engaging environment for middle school and high school students. This role involves coordinating activities, assisting with homework, and supporting social and cultural adaptation through enrichment activities. The intern will work closely with EYS staff and volunteers to address the academic and social needs of recently resettled refugee youth.

Please note this is an unpaid internship position.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Develop understanding educational and social support systems for refugee youth.
• Gain hands-on experience in program coordination and youth mentorship.
• Build skills in intercultural communication and community outreach.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide academic assistance, including tutoring and homework support, to middle and high school students in after-school programs.
• Assist in organizing after-school enrichment activities focused on cultural integration and social development.
• Alongside EYS staff, coordinate transportation logistics for students to the after-school program space.
• Support planning educational outings and community-building events for program participants.
• Support students in building confidence and adaptability within U.S. school systems.
• Help facilitate communication between students, families, and school staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be a current undergraduate or graduate student, or less than 12 months past graduation, preferably in the fields of Education, Social Work, or related.
• 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 between 1:00 PM EST and 5:00 PM EST on Mondays and Wednesdays for the after-school program.
• 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
• Adherence to IRC volunteer/intern and workplace policies
• Fluency/proficiency in English, both spoken and written, are required; proficiency in language(s) spoken by client group is desired but not 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 activities, 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.

HOW TO APPLY

All intern opportunities are contingent on clearing a background check*. Interns must adhere to the IRC intern and workplace policies, which include confidentiality and client safeguarding. Apply online at Rescue.org/Careers, selecting Louisville. Email questions to [email protected].

FOR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS, TEACHERS, & YOUTH PROGRAM LEADERS

If you would like to discuss connecting your organization with the IRC in Louisville for internship opportunities, please email [email protected] with the subject line “INTERNSHIP.”

OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED & SUPPORT

• Learn more about the IRC’s work at Rescue.org/Louisville
• Fight for policies that deliver real change for the people we serve: Rescue.org/take-action

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.