Housing & Legal Assistance Intern

International Rescue Committee
United States, Utah, Salt Lake City
Dec 19, 2024
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future. BACKGROUND: The International Rescue Committee is the leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. The IRC is committed to freedom, human dignity, and self-reliance. This commitment is reflected in well-planned resettlement assistance, global emergency relief, rehabilitation, and advocacy for refugees. Founded in 1933, the IRC is a global leader in emergency relief, rehabilitation, protection of human rights, post-conflict development, resettlement services and advocacy for those uprooted or affected by conflict and oppression. The resettlement office in Salt Lake City provides services to newly arrived refugees. SCOPE OF WORK: The Housing and Legal Advocacy Intern will be providing core services to victims of political torture, domestic violence victims, youth refugees, single head of households, disabled refugees and refugees with PTSD. You will be providing housing resources, housing stabilization, tenant advocacy, eviction prevention, immigration process assistance, legal advocacy for Domestic Violence victims including referrals to Legal Aid, advocacy assistance with divorce documents and assistance with protective and restraining orders. You will be immersed in Middle Eastern and African cultures while assisting clients to be able to navigate United States culture and legal systems. No day will be the same, lots of exposure to multiple disciplines. Our main goal is to get clients self-sufficient and happy. (This would be a great internship for Pre-Law students, or Social Work students). If you don't know a skill, ICM Supervisor will teach. With successful completion of internship, supervisor will give an outstanding letter of recommendation. Essential Functions: Home Stabilization: Bishop Store House Food Orders, HEAT applications, housing applications, and setting up affordable housing accounts Legal Stabilization: help refugees navigate legal systems through referrals to Legal Aid, legal advocacy for Domestic Violence victims, divorce documents, protective orders, and assistance in citizenship document process (lots of co-regulation skills exposure) Core Services: assist clients with State Benefits including food stamps and cash assistance, General Assistance applications, Compassionate Care SSI Advocacy, and Social Security Applications When needed collaboration with IRC Housing Department and ECM team Needs assessment, budgeting, action plans, and home visits Files, case notes, data entry, participation in case staffing and staff meetings You will have the support of ICM supervisor for training and education This is a refugee advocacy position, you do not need certifications or licensure, but it is a good way to prepare for future licensure in various fields Minimum Qualifications: Requirements: Background in Prelaw, Social Work, Public Health OR other related fields Experience working with refugees or diverse populations Motivated, flexible and ability to work independently, prioritize, and manage time effectively Strong computer skill with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook) Demonstrated ability to communicate and work as a team member in a cross-cultural environment IRC orientation and background check required Position Logistics: Length of Service: 3 months Compensation: UNPAID Hours: 20-30 hours a week, in 4+ hour blocks, January 13th - April 25th Program Manager: Laura Gatten Preferred, but not necessary: fluency in Arabic, Swahili, Dari, Kinyarwanda or French *It is not expected that you have fluency in all legal, social and housing areas, just a willingness to learn Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality. Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.