Client Engagement Intern; Unpaid

Scope of Work

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. The IRC New Jersey office, designated by the New Jersey Office for Refugees and the federal government’s Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), provides Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) and Refugee Support Services (RSS) to non‑refugee ORR‑eligible individuals and families (e.g., Cuban, Haitian entrants, Ukrainian humanitarian parolees, asylees).

The Client Engagement Intern will work closely with the Intake & Outreach, Client Voices, and RCA teams to provide trauma‑informed services to ORR‑eligible individuals and families, facilitate client self‑sufficiency, and support efficient program operation in accordance with client eligibility and program requirements.

• Support Intake, Outreach, Client Voices, and RCA specialists with scanning and organizing documents, entering case notes per program requirements, and inputting data into departmental trackers and databases.
• Assist clients in‑person and on the phone with booking and preparing for intake appointments.
• Provide live translation services (Haitian Creole or Spanish preferred) for client interactions in the office, and translate written client materials.
• Support planning and execution of outreach campaigns to current and potential clients, by phone, message, and email, to share information about IRC services and events.
• Support smooth planning and execution of IRC client events, disseminating information about services and collecting client information, such as attendance data or feedback.
• Assist with research on community resources, networks, and events to support client outreach projects and community referrals.
• Engage with IRC clients respectfully and compassionately.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Acquire a thorough understanding of IRC’s Intake & Outreach, Client Voices, and RCA programs.
• Become familiar with the specific needs and challenges facing IRC’s clients in New Jersey, including employability services, English language training, career pathways, financial coaching, and community referrals.
• Develop skills useful for a career in human services, including case management software and documentation practices.

• Volunteer must be based in the U.S.;
  Intern must be based in the U.S. and be enrolled in a post‑secondary institution or have graduated within the last two years.
• Fluent in a second language spoken by IRC clients (strong preference for Spanish and or Haitian Creole).
• Ability to work 15–20 hours per week in the IRC office in Elizabeth, NJ.
• Experience with data entry, case management/case noting software, and maintaining accurate client records.
• Previous experience or strong interest in working with refugees and immigrants, including internships, volunteer work, or related projects.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Excellent organizational and time‑management skills.
• Current or recent enrollment at a college or university in Social Work, Psychology, Public Health, or a related field (alternatives accepted).

All IRC workers adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct:
Integrity, Service, Equality, and Accountability. IRC upholds policies on safeguarding, conflicts of interest, fiscal integrity, and protection from retaliation.

US Benefits: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20‑25 paid time off days, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403(b) retirement savings plan with immediate matching, disability and life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.