What are the responsibilities and job description for the Youth Futures Internship (Summer 2025) - UNPAID position at International Rescue Committee?
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 crisis 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 Role:
Navigating the world of post-secondary planning can be overwhelming to newcomer students in high school. Youth Futures seeks to bridge the gap in understanding for immigrant youth, helping them set attainable goals and feel more confidence and security in their future. Students will learn about the resources available to them both in their schools and communities. The Youth Futures Intern will assist with program implementation, building meaningful relationships with program participants, and support program growth and evolution. It is important to note that this is in IN-PERSON and UNPAID position. Applicants should be available to be in the office for at least 10 hours a week, availability in the mornings preferred.
Learning Objectives:
Youth Team Intern will:
Become proficient in outreach to clients of various language and educational backgrounds
Learn how to manage supporting services within the established requirements, to provide the best possible service to vulnerable populations.
Develop skills in critical thinking, client services, cross-global education, social work, and program implementation.
Learn about the IRC locally and globally, the available services to refugees and ORR-eligible clients in Richmond, Virginia.
Responsibilities:
Assist with intake process, referrals, recruitment and retention for participation in Youth Futures summer programming.
Support IRC signature programming and other social-emotional learning activities.
Attend field trips and family events, as available.
Support student success by encouraging participation in school and extra-curricular activities, finding resources as-needed and connecting families.
Conduct accurate program tracking and case notes to ensure program compliance with its goals through required reporting to funders and internal stakeholders.
Attend Youth Education Team meetings and complete administrative duties, including but not limited to reporting, timesheets, and expense reports.
Assist IRC Youth Team with other tasks and client coordination, as needed.
Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy, practice respect and consideration of clients' varied backgrounds and experiences, respect client beliefs and values.
Undergraduate or graduate level studies in education, social work, international relations, social sciences, or related field preferred.
Respect and awareness of global backgrounds and experiences, and a desire to help refugees adjust to life in the U.S.
Background in education or experience working with families formally or informally
Patience, understanding, and flexibility
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
Effective communication skills, especially in a cross-global environment
Engaged in learning about the IRC (mission, philosophy, global work, and local efforts) and willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies
Proficiency in more than one language preferred but not required (especially Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Spanish, and Kinyarwanda)
This position is unpaid and reports to the Youth Futures Coordinator.
*The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlines in the IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti-Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.
IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
The IRC is committed to fostering an accessible workplace. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities to apply for positions that align with their qualifications and interests. If you are selected for an interview, please inform your recruiter if you require any accommodations during the recruitment process. Examples of accommodations may include extended time for interviews or assessments, flexible scheduling to accommodate medical appointments, or assistance with communication needs. The IRC has offices in many locations, each with varying capacities to provide specific accommodations. While we are committed to doing our best to meet your needs, please note that certain accommodations may depend on the resources and facilities available at each location. Please know we will carefully consider all requests and make every effort to ensure a supportive and accessible recruitment process.
