Refugee Resettlement Intern (Fall 2026)

International Rescue Committee; Silver Spring (MD); On-site; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Per diem reimbursement of $15 per day

Job summary

The International Rescue Committee is looking for interns in Silver Spring, Maryland, to assist with refugee resettlement. Interns will help set up homes for newly arrived clients, provide transportation, and support with public benefits applications.

This is an unpaid internship requiring 24-37.5 hours a week with a minimum commitment of four months. A valid driver's license and a personal vehicle are required. Interns will gain valuable experience in a multicultural environment.

Qualifications

• Must commit 24 to 37.5 hours per week in-person for at least four months.
• Valid driver's license and insured vehicle required.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to multi-task.
• Interest in refugee client support and community resources.

Responsibilities

• Assist with home set-ups before client arrival.
• Pick up clients from the airport and provide orientation.
• Support clients in completing applications for public benefits.
• Conduct check-ins and maintain records per funder requirements.

Skills

Organized

Strong verbal and written communication

Proficient in Microsoft Excel

Ability to lift items over 50 lbs

Interest in multicultural environments

Fluency in Dari, Haitian Creole, Pashto, or Spanish

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

Word

Job description

About the International Rescue Committee

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.

Scope of Work

The refugee resettlement team supports refugees and other eligible humanitarian immigrants with their initial resettlement period in the United States. Before client arrival, the team coordinates arrival logistics for an airport pick‑up and prepares housing and furnishings. After arrival, the team provides a myriad of support services—culturally orienting clients to life in the U.S., connecting them to eligible benefits, and referring them to internal and external providers—all with the goal of clients reaching economic self‑sufficiency and social integration as quickly as possible.

Responsibilities

• Assist with home set‑ups before client arrival, including lifting, moving, unpacking, assembling, and transporting household supplies, furniture, and food.
• Pick up clients from the airport, transport them home in a personal vehicle, and provide a new home orientation.
• Support clients by completing applications for eligible public benefits, Medicaid, social security cards, and more.
• Orient clients with the local public transit system via conducting bus orientations in the field.
• Refer clients to external services, including English classes and medical screenings.
• Conduct check‑in calls and send messages to clients to determine the status of any unresolved service provision and provide guidance or assistance under the intern supervisor.
• Research and build community resources to fill any gaps in services, as needed.
• Record client interactions and service provision in compliance with funder requirements by inputting data into Microsoft Excel and databases.
• Other duties as assigned.

Learning Objectives

• Learn how housing is secured and prepared for newly arriving refugees.
• Gain professional U.S. field‑office experience interacting with and supporting refugee clients.
• Acquire detailed knowledge of the programs and benefits available for clients during their initial resettlement period.
• Learn tracking and reporting requirements per funder requirements and how capturing this data improves service provision.

Qualifications

• 24 to 37.5 hours per week (3 to 5 full‑time days per week) in‑person at the IRC office for a minimum of four months.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle.
• Willing and able to transport, lift and move items needed to set up homes and otherwise support new client arrivals.
• Lifting and carrying items 50+ lbs., occasionally larger items such as furniture.
• Proficient digital literacy skills (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word) and the ability to learn new software and tasks.
• Organized and attentive to detail.
• Ability to work independently and multi‑task.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Interest in working in a multicultural environment.
• Knowledge of or interest in learning about client benefits and other community resources.
• Fluency in Dari, Haitian Creole, Pashto, or Spanish is a plus.

Schedule and Compensation

Fall 2026 interns are expected to begin the internship term by attending an in‑person orientation on September 7, 2026, from 9:15AM to 3:30PM. Internships are unpaid, but per diem reimbursement at a rate of $15 per day may be available to offset food and travel costs.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply is August21,2026. The internship is for the Fall semester and requires a minimum commitment of 24 hours per week.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.