Description
Please Note: This is an unpaid position; however, it may be considered an internship for school credit, depending on your school policies and requirements. If this is desired, please indicate so when applying.
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. IRC teams provide health, infrastructure, learning and economic support to people in 40 countries worldwide. The IRC also provides support to thousands of refugees resettling in 27 U.S. cities each year through initial housing assistance; case management and referral services; job readiness and placement; community and cultural orientation; health and wellness programs; immigration services; and youth programs.
SCOPE OF VOLUNTEER WORK: As a Community Integration Intern, you will play a key role in supporting refugees as they adapt to their new communities. The Community Integration program offers culturally responsive and linguistically appropriate services to help refugees gain essential knowledge, connect with resources, and rebuild their lives. In IRC Seattle, this program provides outreach and workshop services to facilitate their integration.
Intern Responsibilities:
- Develop new content and curricula for workshops
- Facilitate workshops
- Recruit and invite eligible participants to workshops
- Conduct outreach to raise awareness about available workshops and community services
- Collect accurate information and documentation from workshop participants
- Assist in preparing quarterly and monthly reports
- Help plan and coordinate workshops
This position may also provide support to other IRC programs, such as PRIME and OIRS, depending on availability. The PRIME program offers both short-term and extended case management services for refugees and conducts workshops like Women in Action, Financial Literacy, and Safety on the Road (taught by SeaTac police). Similarly, the OIRS program provides case management services for up to 90 days.
LOCATION: IRC Office in Seatac, WA.
Please note this position is Hybrid. Interns will be expected to attend outreach events and workshops. Some outreach events may be on the weekends.
TIME COMMITMENT: 15-25 hours/week during IRC office hours (M-F, 9am-5pm). Regular schedule required. Minimum 3-month commitment.
SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:
- This internship is for undergraduate students, graduate students, or recent college graduates.
- Strong intercultural communications skills, demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and across language barriers.
- Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Comfortable working in high stress environments.
- Must be adaptable, flexible and patient.
- Familiarity with Windows operating system and confidence in basic computer skills (word processing, email, data entry).
- Willingness to learn new software.
- Familiarity with trauma-informed practices preferred.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English; additional fluency in one of the following languages desirable but not required: Farsi/Dari, Spanish, Arabic, Ukrainian, Russian, Somali, or Tigrinya.
- Willingness to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies
Reports to: Resettlement Manager
Updated: March 2025
If interested in this volunteer opportunity, please email the IRC at
VolunteerSEA@Rescue.org with the position title in the subject