Child Protection Intern - Summer 2024

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 over 20 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home.

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK:The child protection intern will assist the Unaccompanied Children Caseworkers with the provision of case management services to recently arrived unaccompanied children as they adjust to their new lives in the US. An unaccompanied child is defined as a minor under the age of eighteen who has arrived in the United States without documentation and without the presence of a parent or legal guardian. After their release from a shelter run by the Office of Refugee Resettlement and into the care of a sponsor, a minor can be recommended for Post Release Services to ensure that they are successfully connected with the resources and services needed to promote their successful integration into their new communities. The intern will have the opportunity to play a key role in providing organizational support to the caseworkers by performing a variety of clerical and administrative duties, in addition to helping to build a strong network with community providers who can provide key services to clients.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
-Assist casework staff with building and maintaining case files to ensure that all requirements for documentation are met consistently throughout the provision of Post Release Services.
-Assist staff in building a strong network with local service providers who are available to provide needed services and resources with unaccompanied minors through research and outreach initiatives.
-Refer unaccompanied minors to resources and services, as well as schedule any appointments, as necessary and instructed by the casework staff.
-Research services and resources applicable to the UC program to facilitate the referral process.
-Ensure client success with a strong emphasis on education and empowerment through high quality service that encourages clients to thrive in their community.
-Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy.
-Practice sensitivity to cultural and personality differences of clients by respecting their beliefs and values.
-Perform reception duties such as greeting visitors to the office and connecting them to appropriate staff.
-Provide translation and interpretation when necessary.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
-Intern will learn about the Unaccompanied Children Program as well as various social services available to undocumented immigrants in New York and New Jersey.
-Intern will develop problem solving skills, client services skills, and intercultural social work skills.
-Intern will learn how to manage client cases within established deadlines, to provide the best service possible to a vulnerable population. Minimum Qualifications:

• Undergraduate level studies in International Relations, Social Sciences, or related Global field
• Languages: Preferably fluent or highly conversational in Spanish - translation experience is a plus
• Cultural awareness of and sensitivity to this vulnerable immigrant population, and a strong desire to help unaccompanied minors adjust to life in the U.S
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail
• Culturally competent and effective communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment
• Patience, understanding, flexibility with a consistent positive attitude
• Engaged in learning about broader IRC mission, philosophy, global work, and local efforts
• Willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies

Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.