SCOPE OF INTERN SERVICE:
The IRC’s Intensive Case Management (ICM) Program provides case management for refugee and displaced clients who: have severe physical or mental health conditions; are elderly; identify as LGBTQ+; are part of a single-income household; are victims of sexual assault or gender-based violence. The Spring 2025 Intensive Case Management Intern works closely with the ICM Caseworker to support clients enrolled in Preferred Communities programming, specifically ICM. The intern will be responsible for checking on the well-being of clients, providing comprehensive support when needed, and guiding clients towards self-sufficiency.
Please note this is an unpaid internship position.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Intern will develop skills in: problem solving, client services, intercultural social work, and housing logistics navigation. Intern will gain US resettlement agency experience in assessing program needs. Intern will learn how to communicate cross-culturally with a diverse population, including how to effectively utilize interpreters. Intern will acquire knowledge of programs and public benefits available to humanitarian immigrants. Intern will gain skills in strategic research and outreach strategies.RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide equal treatment to all client groups in accordance with the agency's commitment to the dignity of all persons. Assist with client check-ins in person, over the phone or through camera (as preferred by the client). Develop individualized plans with detailed action steps based on client needs. Evaluate clients on progress on individualized plans during benchmark periods. Assist in scheduling client health and social service appointments and coordinating transportation as needed. Coordinate with service providers and make referrals as needed. Accompany clients to in-person appointments as needed. Educate clients on the U.S. healthcare and benefits systems. Explore community resources and connect with outside organizations. Keep thorough and accurate case file documentation in IRC’s database. Keep all digital files up to date and create new digital client files as needed. Communicate client concerns and potential challenges to ICM Caseworker. 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 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 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.