Refugee Wellbeing Intern
SCOPE OF INTERN WORK:
Refugee Wellbeing Intern will support implementation of several programs within the IRC in Sacramento’s office, working to increase the wellbeing and self-sufficiency of refugees. Programs address psychosocial support, domestic violence, women’s empowerment, and health navigation. Interns will provide assistance with screening arrivals for trauma, addressing domestic violence, conducting social support groups, offering topic-based workshops, developing programs and resources, and referring clients for physical and mental health services. The Refugee Wellbeing Intern will work closely with some of the world’s most vulnerable populations, helping them rebuild their lives.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support program coordinator in screening clients for trauma and domestic violence including scheduling sessions, collecting results, and referring clients to appropriate service providers
- Maintain a data base to collect screening results
- Support and advocate for culturally appropriate mental health and DV/SA support
- Support the Wellbeing Coordinator and Client Advocates in facilitating adjustment groups and workshops
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Intern will receive an over view of mental health, domestic violence, women’s empowerment and health navigation focused on project objectives
- Intern will be trained in implementing screenings and facilitating social adjustment groups
- Intern will better understand refugee needs and their adjustment process in the US
- Intern will get hands on experience in social and mental health support skills, facilitating groups and workshops, and program development
- Intern will use internal and community resources to strengthen vulnerable populations
REQUIREMENTS: The candidate must be passionate about working with vulnerable populations. She/he must have experience in social work and/or mental health services. Excellent English language, computer, data entry and communication skills required. Must have driver’s license, vehicle, auto insurance and clean driving record. The candidate must commit 12-18 hours/week.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Ideally, the candidate will have command of a refugee language and a background in mental/public health. Familiarity with challenges faced by refugees is preferred.
This position reports to the Wellbeing Coordinator or Client Advocate.
- This is an unpaid internship.
- Work related driving is eligible for reimbursement at the IRS Charitable Rate.
- Internships are available for current college students starting in their second year, graduate students, and graduates less than 2 years post-graduation. Course credit is available if the student coordinates with their university and confirms the appropriate paperwork with the Volunteer Coordinator.
COMMITMENT:
Hours per week: 15-30 hours per week, during IRC's regular business hours of 9 am-5 pm, M - F
Duration: 4-6 months, or 240 hours
IRC is committed to working with student schedules. As such, we are flexible with accommodating time off for midterms and school holidays, and altering time availability with changing class schedules.