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Resettlement Housing Intern

International Rescue Committee
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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.

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK: The Resettlement Housing Intern will report to the Housing & Logistics Specialist, assisting the Housing & Logistics Specialist and refugee case management staff in providing Housing related reception and placement services to newly arrived refugees.(S)he will play a key role in helping refugees secure and furnish Housing units within a family’s first 60 days of arrival in NY. In addition to helping implement refugees’ transition into new apartment units, the intern will conduct research and propose outreach to local property management companies, community organizations, and city agencies that can contribute to IRC’s ability to secure housing for its clients. . In addition to spending significant time in the field, the intern will be expected to perform administrative duties.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Assist in housing set-up for refugees, including distribution and procurement of furniture and household goods, coordinating deliveries of donated supplies, assembling furniture, and setting up utilities.
  • Attend apartment viewings and lease signings when necessary, and help maintain positive relationships with landlords, brokers, and local management companies.
  • Conduct outreach to cultivate and build upon partnerships with community organizations with the goal of increasing awareness of IRC programs and facilitating quicker transitions for clients from temporary to permanent housing post arrival.
  • Assist in tracking in-kind donations and maintaining Housing documents in case files.
  • Ensure client success with a strong emphasis on empowerment through high quality service that supports clients to thrive in their community.
  • Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy.
  • Display sensitivity to cultural and personality differences of refugee clients. Respect their beliefs and values.
  • Perform front desk duties when necessary, such as greeting visitors, answering the phones, and connecting them to appropriate staff.
  • Provide translation and interpretation when necessary.
  • Other related duties as assigned.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
  1. Student will learn about refugee resettlement and refugee social services
  2. Student will develop problem solving and client services skills
  3. Student will learn how to manage client cases within established deadlines

REQUIREMENTS:
  • Undergraduate level studies in social sciences, international relations or a related field.
  • Languages desired but not required. (Spanish, Urdu, Farsi preferred).
  • Strong desire to help refugees rebuild their lives in New York.
  • Willingness to travel extensively through NYC boroughs via public transport (often accompanying clients).
  • Familiarity with NYC a plus.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and experience assembling furniture desired, not required.
  • Competency in data tracking and file management.
  • Excellent communication skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
  • Patience, understanding, flexibility, and an unceasingly positive attitude are essential.
  • Willing to learn about IRC history, philosophy, global work, and local efforts.
  • Willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies.
  • Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks at once, and with high attention to detail

This position reports to the Housing & Logistics Specialist.