Housing 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 29 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: IRC Richmond's housing team is responsible for securing and setting up housing for newly arrived clients, coordinating move-ins, supporting housing stabilization, and helping clients navigate the transition to permanent housing.

The housing intern will work closely with casework staff to help ensure clients are placed in safe, stable housing as quickly as possible and have the support they need during their first months after arrival. The housing intern will gain direct experience working with refugee and immigrant clients during critical stages of resettlement.

They will also gain mentorship from experienced humanitarian workers and learn about opportunities for professional advancement.

Responsibilities

• Assist housing team serve newly arrived refugee clients during housing search, move-in, and stabilization activities
• Take ownership of independent projects and assignments that support team goals, with opportunities to share findings and recommendations with staff
• Conduct housing and community resource research to identify potential opportunities partnerships and funding opportunities
• Transport clients to appointments, including lease signings and housing-related appointments
• Provide administrative support for case filing, inventory control, and scheduling
• Advocate for clients during the delivery of services and represent IRC professionally
• Additional duties as requested

Requirements

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Detail-oriented, organized and reliable
• Reliable, organized, and able to complete tasks within deadlines
• Successful navigation of a complex and fast-paced environment
• Must have access to a car and a clean driving record

This position is unpaid and reports to the Housing & Logistics Coordinator.

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.