Casework Intern - Spring 2027

About the role

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

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.

Scope of Work

Interns will assist casework staff in providing direct client services, including shopping for and setting up households for arriving refugee families, transporting and accompanying clients to required appointments such as Social Security office, Health Department, Dept. of Social Services and providing orientation to the Charlottesville public transit system. Interns will also perform administrative tasks such as completing applications for services on behalf of clients, creating documentation for case files, and making appointments.

Responsibilities

• Attend Volunteer/Intern Orientation
• Transport clients to various agencies and appointments
• Orient new refugees to transportation systems and community
• Shop for and set up homes for arriving refugees
• Assist with required documentation for case files
• Advocate for clients during delivery of needed services; represent IRC in a professional manner
• Record hours and submit completed timesheet for each month via the IRC's online Volunteer Dashboard.

Requirements

• Able to work with minimal supervision
• Comfortable working in a multicultural environment
• Flexible, able to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Reliable, responsible, able to complete tasks within required time-frame
• Must have a car and be willing to transport clients in your personal vehicle
• Must be located in Charlottesville Virginia and be willing to complete field work.

This position is unpaid and reports to the Casework Supervisor.

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.