Health and Wellness Intern

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.

Scope of Work

The International Rescue Committee (IRC), works in the United States welcomes newly arrived refugees and immigrants, supports them in their resettlement, and provides holistic services to help them build new lives in their communities.

IRC NJ's Health and Wellness (HW) team supports clients through a variety of health education, promotion, and mental and emotional wellbeing services. We recognize that clients are the experts on their own lives, experiences, and beliefs. The HW team uses client expertise to guide, encourage, and empower clients as they interact with various health systems. We host monthly health education sessions, health and wellness walk-in hours, peer support groups, one-on-one counseling, among other services.

Responsibilities

Health and Wellness Interns will assist the HW team with a variety of projects and services, such as health education initiatives, support group coordination and planning, client outreach, health systems referrals and follow-up, and developing health resources for IRC NJ clients.

• Assist the HW team in organizing and running regular in-person, hybrid, and virtual activities for clients, such as walk-in hours, health education sessions, support groups, and other group activities.
• Assist the HW team in conducting client outreach and event promotion and obtaining client feedback regarding HW services.
• Update and maintain internal health resource lists and datasets.
• Research and evaluate skill and research gaps in health, mental health, and related areas for IRC NJ clients.

Learning Objectives

• Acquire a thorough understanding of refugee and immigrant communities in NJ, with a key focus on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.
• Develop and refine client-centered program planning and management skills and practices.
• Develop and refine outreach and advocacy skills in the public health arena.

Requirements

• Education requirements - currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in public health, social work, or related field.
• Working Arrangements - available at least 15 hours/week, minimum of 7.5 hours in-person.
• Language Skills - fluency in Spanish, Haitian Creole, Arabic, Dari, or Pashto is highly preferred.

Additional information

Skills Needed - strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively work with diverse populations; excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to work independently; experience with data entry and high-quality research and advocacy efforts; - Experience working with refugee and immigrant populations, particularly in the context of health and wellness, is highly desirable.

We accept applications on an ongoing basis to build a talent pipeline for roles that open regularly. Because this posting may not reflect a current opening, we may not contact every applicant. If your background aligns with an open need, our team will reach out. We also encourage you to visit our careers page to explore other opportunities.

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.