Fall 2026 Employment Services Intern - UNPAID

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

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 24 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. The IRC in Atlanta office was established in 1979 and has resettled over 30,000 refugees from 67 countries into the Greater Atlanta area.

As the largest refugee resettlement agency in Georgia, the IRC in Atlanta resettles an average of 1,000 refugees into Georgia annually and provides additional services and assistance to another 2,500 refugees and asylees.

Scope of Employment Services Intern Work

The Employment Services Intern works with the IRC in Atlanta’s Employment Services team to assist eligible refugee clients find jobs and prepare them to enter the workforce by providing supporting services, while also completing clerical work such as data entry and case file organization. Employment is an essential element in helping refugees become economically self-sufficient. Please note that all internship positions are unpaid.

Responsibilities

• Research potential employers and community partners as it relates to Employment Services
• Assist with scheduling client meetings and follow-ups.
• Help prepare for client meetings by reviewing notes and preparing necessary documents.
• Work one-on-one with clients by conducting job readiness counseling and training
• Assist clients in filling out online and paper applications
• Help clients access living essentials such as housing, food, and medical care by researching local resources.
• Assist in coordinating transportation for clients to appointments.
• Accompany clients to job interviews and orientations
• Assist Employment Specialists and Employment Services Caseworkers by entering case notes and other data entry into relevant databases
• Assist Employment Specialists and Employment Services Caseworkers by creating and maintaining client case files
• Attend New Arrival Orientation and conduct client intake
• Submit intern hours on volunteer dashboard
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Strong interest in working with an international population
• Proficiency with employment related activities
• Proven ability to work with consideration and respect for cross-cultural differences
• Excellent communication and organization skills
• Ability to work independently
• Computer skills, including Microsoft Office programs and internet research
• Enthusiasm for helping people to learn and demonstrated professionalism
• Must have a valid driver’s license and access to an insured vehicle

Requirements

• Must submit intern hours on volunteer portal.
• Must pass a background check.
• Commitment of 15 hours per week for a minimum of 3 consecutive months (you are able to extend your internship for more than 3 months).
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States. Please note that we are unable to provide sponsorship for a US work authorization.

This will be an hybrid role. This position will report to the Employment Services Supervisor.

• The internship will be filled on a rolling basis.
• We will continue to accept applications until August 14th, 2026, or until the position is filled, whichever occurs first.
• Internship will begin the week of September 8th, 2026.

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.

US Benefits

We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.