Employment Program Intern (Unpaid)

International Rescue Committee; New York (NY); On-site; USD 16,740 - 23,436; Part time

Job summary

International Rescue Committee in New York is offering an Employment Program Intern role to support newly arrived refugees and immigrants in achieving career goals. You will assist with client intake, coaching, training facilitation, and general program tasks within a dynamic nonprofit setting.

You will gain hands-on experience in job development, case tracking, and program administration while collaborating with multiple IRC teams and upholding confidentiality standards.

Qualifications

• Interest or experience in employment services or social services.
• Strong English communication skills.
• Bilingual in Spanish, French, or Russian preferred but not required.
• Experience with immigrant or refugee communities is a plus.
• Proficient with MS Office and online platforms.
• Background check required.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one job coaching and employment counseling
• Help clients with resumes, cover letters, and interview preparation
• Conduct client enrollments, assessments, and follow-ups
• Track client progress using spreadsheets and ETO software
• Research job and vocational training opportunities in NYC
• Support Job Readiness Trainings via Zoom/WhatsApp
• Maintain and update client and employer databases
• Assist with administrative tasks and day-to-day program operations
• Help build and maintain employer and partner relationships
• Collaborate with other IRC teams and uphold confidentiality policies

Skills

Job coaching

Resume help

Career counseling

MS Office

Attention to detail

Education

Pursuing related field degree

Tools

ETO software

Job description

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, working in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities to help people 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 are a solutions‑driven, passionate change‑maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people worldwide for a better future.

Position Overview

The Employment Program Intern will support IRC New York's early employment programs, helping newly arrived refugees and immigrants achieve their career goals. The intern will assist with client intake, job coaching, training facilitation, and administrative tasks, and will provide general program support as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one‑on‑one job coaching and employment counseling
• Help clients with resumes, cover letters, and interview preparation
• Conduct client enrollments, assessments, and follow‑ups
• Track client progress using spreadsheets and ETO software
• Research job and vocational training opportunities in NYC
• Support Job Readiness Trainings via Zoom/WhatsApp
• Maintain and update client and employer databases
• Assist with administrative tasks and day‑to‑day program operations
• Help build and maintain employer and partner relationships
• Collaborate with other IRC teams and uphold confidentiality policies

Qualifications

• Interest or experience in employment services or social services
• Strong English communication skills
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish, French, or Russian is preferred but not required
• Experience working with immigrant or refugee communities is a plus
• Comfortable using MS Office, email, and online platforms
• Detail‑oriented, proactive, and adaptable
• Must pass a background check

What You’ll Gain

• Hands‑on experience delivering employment services
• Exposure to immigrant support work in a nonprofit setting
• Skills in job development, case tracking, and program administration

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. Our standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. The organization is committed to preventive measures and to creating a safe environment and to taking corrective action when harm occurs.

US Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including 10 sick days, 10 U.S. holidays, 20–25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance (starting at $163 per month), dental (starting at $6.50 per month), vision (starting at $5 per month), FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403(b) retirement savings plan with immediately vested matching, disability and life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program for staff and families.

Equal Opportunity Employer

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, considering 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 law.