Housing Casework Intern

BACKGROUND: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933, the IRC is at work today in more than 40 countries and in 24 U.S. cities. The IRC’s U.S. Programs (USP) department creates opportunities for refugees and other vulnerable migrants to survive and thrive in America. USP serves more than 40,000 individuals each year, including thousands of newly arrived refugees, through a diverse portfolio of programs aimed at achieving outcomes in five impact areas: Health, Safety, Economic Wellbeing, Education, and Power.

The IRC works with government bodies, civil society actors and local volunteers to help refugees, asylees and those with Special Immigrant Visas translate their past experiences into assets that are valuable to their new communities. In Denver and other offices across the country, the IRC helps refugees and asylees to rebuild their lives through services and programs that assist with initial resettlement through longer-term integration. Presently, these services are case management, employment services, psychosocial support, family stabilization, health coordination, health insurance literacy, family reunification and programs for children and youth. The Denver office also has a legal services program to provide pro bono legal representation to survivors of torture, as well as direct legal services for family-based immigration.

INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW: The Housing Casework Intern will work directly with newly arrived refugees to assess their housing needs, orient them to US housing practices, and provide individualized follow up support as clients work towards self-sufficient housing management. They will help with apartment showings and set ups to make sure housing is ready upon or shortly after arrival for Colorado's newest refugees. They will also work with multiple IRC teams to develop a variety of client-facing housing materials. 

COMMITMENT: 10-15 hours per week; 3 month minimum; 3+ months preferred  

LOCATION: IRC Denver Office, in various locations in the community in metro Denver and Aurora, and some remote from home

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Meet with newly arrived refugee clients to discuss their housing needs and priorities and explain IRC housing services 

Help clients review and sign apartment leases.

Help setup utilities for clients and provide client education on bill pay

Travel to site visits and meetings at apartment complexes 

Help with apartment set ups and ensure each home has required items

Provide housing orientation for newly arrived refugee clients ensuring they know how to use appliances, make maintenance requests, etc

 Assist in research and development of client facing housing education materials

Provide follow up housing support to clients, facilitating communication and education about housing as needed

REQUIREMENTS:

Required skills

Organized and detail-oriented

Some experience with renting, moving, paying bills, operating household appliances

Some heavy lifting during housing set-ups required  

Willingness to transport clients, reliable vehicle, driver’s license, and insurance

Preferred skills: 

Interpersonal communication, advocacy, public speaking, Microsoft Suite experience  

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

The Housing Casework Intern will develop the skills of listening for understanding and motivational interviewing as their work directly with clients. They will gain experience teaching and coaching a diverse refugee population. They will learn about navigating the housing market in Denver for the refugee population. Interns will acquire detailed knowledge about the reception and placement period for newly arrived refugees, core resettlement services provided during this time, and public benefits available for refugees and asylees.

SUPERVISION: This position reports to the Housing Coordinator.

TO APPLY: 

Interested applicants should submit an online application along with cover letter and resume to https://www.rescue.org/careers.  Qualified applicants will be selected for an initial phone screening with the Volunteer Coordinator.

QUESTIONS? Email ircdenver.volunteer@rescue.org

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.