Occupational Therapy Life Skills Trainer 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.

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.

Scope of Intern Work

The Occupational Therapy (OT) program focuses on life skills training as a supportive supplementary intervention that works alongside IRC UT's various case management program. Under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist, the inter will support a wide range of areas for self-sufficiency and access to community resources for refugee and immigrant families.

Through the program, the intern will work with individuals to build the skills and alternative approaches to everyday tasks, including managing personal finance (budgeting, paying bills, banking), navigating public transit, medication management, development safe routines in-home, and confidently accessing resources (scheduling appointments, etc.). Specialized support may also include job readiness and Pre-Driving training.

Intern will report to: Yda Smith, PhD, OTR/L.

MINIMUM COMMITMENT: 10 - 20 hours per week for 10-12 weeks

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

The Profession of Occupational Therapy

The fundamental core of OT is to support clients' abilities to participate in the everyday activities that they need and want to do. OTs have, at a minimum, a master's degree, and OT Assistants have a community college or bachelor's degree. Most often, they work in a healthcare environment with people of any age who are dealing with physical, cognitive, or mental health issues.

OT education includes knowledge of many health conditions across the life span. Breaking down tasks into simpler and smaller components and therapeutic-use-of-self are skills practiced. In many settings, there are OT aides who do not have a degree in OT but who provide assistance to clients under the direction of the staff OT.

The intern position at IRC is similar to the OT Aide position in other settings and provides an opportunity to learn about the OT profession.

Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the staff occupational therapist, work one-on-one with a variety of clients to provide life skills training activities in-home and around the community.
• Assist with group training approaches, including working with interpretation, preparing for groups, and managing group dynamics.
• Collaborate across teams to achieve client goals, includes engaging with caseworkers, community health workers, and other IRC teams.
• Case note all activities completed to document progress toward goals and ensure interventions are providing positive support.
• Attend staff meetings as schedule allows.
• Assist staff occupational therapist and OT students as assigned.
• Support the IRC UT office with other duties as assigned.

Learning Objectives

• Gain professional experience working in the public health sector.
• Gain experience teaching and communicating with clients to break new learning tasks into smaller pieces to support client success.
• Gain experience teaching life skills in a community setting.
• Gain knowledge about the profession of occupational therapy and other professions represented at the IRC.
• Gain experience collaborating and communicating with a wide range of IRC professionals from different backgrounds and specialities.
• Gain experience communicating with English Language Learners and use of an interpreter.
• Gain public speaking experience through teaching classes to clients and reporting in staff meetings.

Requirements

• Must be currently enrolled in a graduate/undergraduate program, or have graduated less than 6 months ago.
• Interest in working with diverse populations.
• Motivated, flexible, able to work independently.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Proficient in Microsoft365 and data entry.
• Valid driver's license and insurace, access to a personal vehicle, and willingness to drive clients.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English; fluency in additional language(s) preferred.
• Background in occupational therapy, health promotion, social work, or other related field preferred.
• Complete IRC background check & all related orientations/trainings.

IRC leading the way from harm to home.