Launch Your Career: Unpaid Resettlement Casework Internship Available

Resettlement Casework Intern Position – Spring 2025

Job ID: req55900
Location: Louisville, KY, United States
Category: Social Work & Community Development
Employee Category: Intern
Job Type: Part-Time
Work Arrangement: In-Person
Open To Expatriates: No
Currency: United States Dollar
Compensation: Hourly (Unpaid Internship)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is dedicated to addressing the world's most severe humanitarian crises. We strive to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. Established in 1933 upon the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC stands as one of the largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), operating in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities. Our mission is to help individuals survive, reclaim control over their futures, and strengthen their communities. If you are a motivated change-maker looking to make a difference in the lives of millions worldwide, join us in our mission.

Scope of Intern Service:

The case management program is focused on delivering essential services to new arrivals and assisting clients in achieving self-sufficiency during their initial five years in the U.S. This includes support in health, employment, finances, education, housing, family, and community. Under the supervision of the Caseworker, the Spring 2025 Resettlement Casework Intern will primarily gain experience in the resettlement field, learn to implement the core services of the U.S. resettlement program, and support the existing casework team with their daily responsibilities.

Please note that this is an unpaid internship position.

Learning Objectives

• Gain exposure to interacting with diverse communities and cultures.
• Enhance understanding of the unique barriers, challenges, and strengths within refugee and immigrant communities.
• Acquire industry knowledge regarding the U.S. refugee resettlement program and its core services.
• Obtain hands-on experience working directly with clients to support their objectives.

Responsibilities

• Shadow the casework team to understand the core services provided under the U.S. resettlement program.
• Assist the casework team by learning about and supporting the following activities:
  • Helping clients follow up on important document statuses (e.g., social security cards).
  • Enrolling families in English Language Training (ELT) classes.
  • Registering children in public schools.
  • Greeting families at the airport upon arrival and assisting with their transition into temporary or permanent housing.
  • Teaching clients how to navigate public transportation.
  • Providing general administrative support such as case notes and uploading documentation into case files.
  • Performing other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must be a current undergraduate or graduate student, or less than 12 months past graduation.
• Access to a personal vehicle or reliable transportation; IRC Louisville cannot provide transportation or housing for interns.
• Candidates must be U.S. citizens or have active and compliant visas and work authorization in the United States (IRC cannot sponsor or host interns).
• Primary availability during IRC business hours (Monday-Friday; 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
• Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially.
• Strong intercultural communication skills, with demonstrated effectiveness in working with diverse backgrounds and overcoming language barriers.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Previous experience working with vulnerable populations is preferred but not required.
• Education or experience in social work/social services is preferred but not required.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Excel and willing to learn new software for data entry.
• Adherence to IRC volunteer/intern and workplace policies.
• Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is required; proficiency in languages spoken by the client group is desired but not required.

Training & Guidance

Interns will receive comprehensive training to understand IRC programming and the needs of clients accessing IRC services. Training will cover IRC’s federal R&P and APA service agreements and their programmatic requirements for resettlement services. Interns fluent in client languages may receive guidance on interpreting policies. Additional activity-specific training will be provided as needed. Flexibility, initiative, and a collaborative spirit are essential qualities for this internship. High confidentiality is paramount when working with IRC clients.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We aim to increase representation from underrepresented groups and ensure individuals with disabilities receive reasonable accommodations to participate in the application process, perform essential job functions, and enjoy employment benefits.

Standard of Professional Conduct

IRC employees must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way—our Code of Conduct— which emphasizes Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.