Workforce Development Intern (Unpaid)

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 50 countries and more than 25 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.

TITLE : Workforce Development Intern

LOCATION : Elizabeth, NJ RAI USA

START DATE : June 3, 2024

DURATION : At least 3-4 months, candidates that can do a full academic year preferred / 15-25 hours per week

POSITION REPORTS TO : Employment Supervisor

BACKGROUND : International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives.

At work in more than 40 countries and over 20 U.S. cities, the IRC provides resettlement, education and empowerment support to refugees and displaced people.

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK : The Workforce Development Specialist intern is a volunteer position to support the Adult Education Department with career development programs.

As an intern, you will support IRC students enrolled in the English Language classes to establish and reach employment and career goals they set for themselves.

Under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act's Program, the English Language classes, case management support, and career services at IRC will ensure that participants are connected to employment and career pathways.

The intern will also assist in developing research that supports the building of relationships with employers and the development of employment opportunities.

The ideal candidate will have prior experience in the field of workforce development and / or social service work with immigrants and refugees.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

In this position, the intern will support the Workforce Development Specialist with tasks related to case management, specifically related to workforce development, for clients enrolled in the Adult Education English language courses.

The intern will create action plans, identify additional services needed, and monitor progress towards the goal with individual students.

• Assist Workforce Development Specialist with a caseload of up to 90 students.
• Conduct one-on-one meetings with clients to set SMART goals for employment or education needs.
• Assist clients in developing resumes, cover letters, and preparing for interviews.
• Give digital literacy workshops to clients based on their proficiency with computers.
• Track client meetings and progress in case notes and spreadsheets.
• Research employment and vocational training opportunities in NYC.
• Gain an understanding of IRC services to refer students to.
• Research other direct assistance programs to refer clients based on public service needs.
• Communicate effectively with clients in person and via telephone.
• Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy.
• Ability to work with clients from multiple backgrounds with varying English skills.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES :

• Intern will learn how to effectively build partnerships with employers and broader career development resources such as certification programs, advanced ESL courses, and job trainings.
• Intern will learn how to provide direct services to immigrant and refugee populations.
• Intern will learn how to manage and record student data, meeting notes, and contact referrals.

Minimum Qualifications :

REQUIREMENTS :

• Bachelor's degree preferred; will consider a college student.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• The ideal candidates will have prior experience in the field of job development or job readiness programing.
• Experience working with immigrants or refugees in a social service setting.
• Must be willing to work varied hours in a hybrid setting.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written; bilingual ability required, preferably in Spanish, French, Arabic, Dari / Farsi, and / or Pashto.

IRC leading the way From Harm to Home .

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.