College & Career Readiness Intern

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.

NOTE ABOUT COMPENSATION:

Internships at the IRC are unpaid. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available. Reimbursement is available for mileage when using a personal vehicle. Eligible interns will also receive a nominal per diem reimbursement aligned with current intern reimbursement policies.

BACKGROUND:

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading, non-sectarian, non-profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. Domestically, our 28 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

The IRC’s College and Career Readiness (CCR) Program supports newly arrived refugee youth ages 15-24 as they prepare for their future educational and career goals. Through a holistic approach, the program focuses on education, life skills, and social-emotional asset development. Key program components include monthly workshops and outdoor adventure activities designed to build confidence and practical skills, individual appointments for college & career support, and a mentorship program that provides long-term support. By fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment, the CCR program empowers refugee youth to successfully transition into adulthood and achieve their personal and professional aspirations.

SCOPE OF WORK:

The CCR Internship with the IRC in Utah Youth Program provides interns with hands-on experience supporting newly arrived refugee youth as they navigate their educational and career pathways. Interns will work closely with the Workforce Development team to deliver individualized and group-based support that promotes academic success, career exploration, and life skills development. Through individual appointments, program intakes, mentorship opportunities, and coordination of workshops and outdoor adventures, interns will play a key role in fostering youth engagement and empowerment. Interns will also gain experience in case documentation, outreach, and program facilitation in a multicultural setting.

This internship is ideal for individuals interested in youth development, education, social work, or related fields and provides valuable experience working with refugee and immigrant populations. This is an unpaid internship opportunity. This position reports to the Workforce Development Program Manager, Saige Palsson.

MINIMUM COMMITMENT:

10 – 20 hours per week for 10-12 weeks

START DATE:

January 12, 2027 (final start date to be confirmed)

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Once onboarded, interns may have the opportunity to be paired with a mentee if they are willing to continue mentorship beyond the internship period or commit to two internship terms.
• Meet with students for college and career support.
• Conduct program intakes to set a baseline for growth and a starting point for service provision.
• Engage clients in monthly workshops and outdoor adventure experiences by coordinating outreach through texts, phone calls, and transportation support.
• Assist in delivering content by presenting sections of monthly workshops.
• Maintain accurate and timely program case notes for intakes, workshops, events, and assessments.
• Participate in staff development and team meetings when available.
• Perform other duties as assigned as relevant.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Gain professional experience working in a non-profit environment.
• Gain experience implementing non-profit programming for youth.
• Develop cross-cultural communication skills through practical experience in cross-cultural communication using a strength-based approach to enhance service delivery for diverse populations.
• Gain insight into the refugee resettlement process and the unique barriers new Americans face, informing your approach for service delivery.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be currently enrolled in a graduate/undergraduate program or have graduated less than 6 months ago.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English; fluency in additional foreign language preferred.
• Strong passion for working with teenage youth; prior experience in youth engagement or mentorship is appreciated.
• Experience working and communicating effectively in a multicultural environment, specifically with refugee and immigrant populations preferred.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and capable of working independently.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Availability for some evening and weekend commitments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Valid UT Driver’s License, access to a vehicle, willingness to drive clients.
• Complete IRC background check & all related orientations/trainings.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

A combination of a standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above-outlined responsibilities.

Requires occasional weekend and/or evening work.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at volunteerSLC@rescue.org to request any needed accommodation.

Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of 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.