Virginia Tech - 2025 Engineering Summer Internship Program - job 1 of 2

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.Job Title: Child Protection Intern - Summer 2024Location: RemoteState Date: SummerDuration: 4-6 Months; 16-24 hours per week• **** NOTE: This is an unpaid internship. *******SCOPE OF WORK: The Child Protection Intern will play a crucial role in supporting the Child Protection Team in delivering essential services to newly arrived unaccompanied children (UCs) as they navigate their transition to life in the US. Unaccompanied children are defined as minors under the age of eighteen who have entered the United States without documentation and without the presence of a parent or legal guardian.Following their release from shelters operated by the Office of Refugee Resettlement and placement with sponsors, minors may be recommended for Post Release Services. These services aim to ensure their successful integration into new communities by facilitating access to necessary resources and support networks.In this role, the intern will engage in a range of clerical and administrative tasks, providing vital organizational support to the Child Protection Team. Additionally, they will contribute to the establishment and maintenance of strong partnerships with community providers, who offer essential services to our clients.Throughout the internship, the Child Protection Intern will closely collaborate with UCs casework staff, gaining valuable experience and insights into all facets of the casework program.LEARNING OUTCOMES:• The intern will gain comprehensive knowledge of the UCs Program and familiarize themselves with diverse social services accessible to undocumented immigrants.• Through hands-on experience, the intern will cultivate problem-solving abilities, refine client services skills, and enhance their proficiency in intercultural social work.• The intern will acquire proficiency in case management, learning to effectively handle client cases within specified timelines, thereby delivering optimal assistance to a vulnerable population.RESPONSIBILITIES:• Conduct research on community services and resources pertinent to the UC program and provide comprehensive recommendations to UC casework staff.• Assist in the cultivation of new partnerships and the nurturing of existing partnerships with local service providers through proactive outreach and relationship-building efforts.• Contribute to the development, maintenance, and expansion of the UC program resource database, ensuring it remains up-to-date and accessible to all team members.• Handle paperwork and digital filing efficiently, ensuring accurate and organized documentation of client records, case notes, and other administrative materials.• Collaborate with UC caseworkers to streamline administrative processes and enhance operational efficiency within the Child Protection Team.• Support the coordination of UC projects by assisting with outreach initiatives for upcoming events, coordinating logistics, and providing administrative assistance as required.• Assist in scheduling appointments, maintaining calendars, and coordinating meetings for UC casework staff.• Provide general administrative support to the Child Protection Team, including answering phone calls, responding to emails, and performing other clerical tasks as needed.Minimum Qualifications:• Fluency in Spanish is essential.• A background in Social Sciences, Global Studies, International Relations, Sociology, or relevant experience working with low-to-moderate income immigrant populations (including refugees, asylum seekers, unaccompanied minors, etc.) is preferred.• Completion of IRC orientation and successful completion of a comprehensive background check (Live Scan & HireRight) are mandatory.• Possesses a high level of cultural awareness and sensitivity toward vulnerable immigrant popuations, with a dedicated commitment to assisting unaccompanied minors in their transition to life in the U.S.• Demonstrates effective communication skills and thrives in collaborative, cross-cultural environments.• Exhibits strong organizational capabilities and meticulous attention to detail.• Displays cultural competency and proficient communication abilities.• Shows enthusiasm for understanding the broader IRC mission, philosophy, global endeavors, and local initiatives.Willing to comply with IRC volunteer and workplace policies.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 or disability.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.