International Rescue Committee

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 28 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.

Scope of work: The Economic Empowerment program assists refugees to become economically self-sufficient by providing career development training and financial coaching. Our program assists clients in obtaining education, apprenticeships, jobs, financial coaching and microloans to promote self-sufficiency. The intern will work closely with the Economic Empowerment team to help promote client economic growth and encourage clients to work towards their long-term goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work directly with IRC Employment Specialists and Financial Coaches to implement and monitor performance on the Career Development Program
• Teach Advanced Job Readiness Trainings including: introduction to career development, business writing, networking, interview preparation and financial literacy
• Counsel and guide clients through the process of working towards long-term career goals by providing: individual trainings, resume and cover letter preparation, one-on-one job application assistance, etc.
• Provide group and individual trainings aimed at successful workforce integration
• Accompany clients to job preparation activities and interviews; coach clients on interview preparation
• Assist clients in setting up bank accounts, teach financial literacy workshops and assist clients with loan applications
• Assist clients in completing new hire paperwork, employment program documentation and other administrative tasks as needed
• Audit employment program files to ensure documentation adheres to program requirements and update program databases regularly
• Advocate for clients’ rights in the labor market by providing references for clients and meeting with employers to educate them about the benefits of hiring IRC clients
• Other duties as identified by Employment Specialists

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Intern will learn to create effective professional and job specific resumes and cover letters
• Intern will learn how to cater curricula to fit federal guidelines while remaining responsive to employer/client needs
• Intern will learn to communicate effectively with clients and with interpreters
• Intern will learn individual coaching techniques to engage and empower clients
• Intern will learn effective outreach strategies for building strategic relationships
• Intern will learn how to adapt training curriculum to clients’ needs and how to teach necessary life skills and professional development in a group setting
• Intern will learn about how to successfully and appropriately advocate for clients’ rights and needs in the labor market
• Intern will learn about networking, financial literacy and how to obtain a professional job
• Intern will learn how to implement program safeguards to protect domestic violence survivors, vulnerable populations and to empower women