Investigate Medicaid reimbursement models and billing procedures at program locations across the country
Evaluate how case management reduces emergency department visits and associated healthcare expenses
Perform financial analysis comparing costs and savings related to preventative services versus emergency care
Produce research documents and reports demonstrating program value for long-term funding sustainability
What they're looking for
Completed or ongoing graduate/doctoral studies in Social Work, Public Health, Psychology, Psychiatry, or similar discipline
Demonstrated competency in investigation, critical thinking, and professional communication
Capacity to understand interconnected organizational and regulatory frameworks
Genuine engagement with healthcare policy, insurance systems, and integrated service delivery models
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 40 countries and 29 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.
Apply on International Rescue Committee (IRC)'s site.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) supports refugees and immigrants in achieving safety, stability, and self-sufficiency. The Preferred Communities (PC) program focuses on long-term, client-centered services that promote well-being and integration. As the program evolves, there is an increasing need to identify sustainable funding pathways and demonstrate the broader impact of services within healthcare systems.
SCOPE OF SERVICE
This internship is structured in two complementary parts. The first focuses on researching and mapping Medicaid billing opportunities across Preferred Communities sites nationwide. The second focuses on analyzing the financial and systems-level impact of case management services, particularly in reducing emergency room utilization and associated costs.
The intern will work closely with the Preferred Communities team to conduct research, organize findings, and develop analyses that support program sustainability and healthcare system impact. Each component will result in a standalone literature review and final report.
IMPACT
The intern's work will contribute to strengthening long-term funding strategies for Preferred Communities programming while demonstrating the value of case management services in reducing healthcare costs and improving outcomes for clients and communities.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Develop understanding of Medicaid systems and their role in funding community-based services
Build skills in multi-state systems mapping and policy research
Gain experience conducting cost-benefit and impact analysis within healthcare and social service contexts
Strengthen ability to translate complex research into clear, actionable reports
Understand the relationship between preventative care, case management, and healthcare utilization
Develop awareness of systemic barriers impacting access to healthcare
Gain experience producing professional-level written reports and literature reviews
ACTIVITIES INCLUDE
Part 1: Medicaid Research & Systems Mapping
Collect and organize information on Medicaid billing processes across Preferred Communities locations
Map state-by-state Medicaid billing models, including variations in structure and implementation
Identify key contacts and requirements related to Medicaid billing
Research federal and state compliance requirements (e.g., HIPAA)
Analyze organizational readiness for Medicaid billing
Review eligibility criteria, billing codes, and reimbursable services
Explore partnerships and workforce pathways (e.g., Community Health Workers)
Assess financial considerations including reimbursement and administrative costs
Identify alternative sustainability strategies beyond Medicaid
Part 2: Cost-Benefit Analysis & Health Systems Impact
Conduct cost-benefit analysis on case management and emergency room utilization
Research costs associated with emergency room visits
Analyze patterns of ER usage among PC clients
Examine disparities in healthcare access and utilization
Develop frameworks for estimating cost savings
Identify opportunities for collaboration with healthcare providers
Create tools or models to support implementation of cost-saving strategies
TRAINING ACTIVITIES
Observation of program operations and strategy discussions
Participation in team meetings and research check-ins
Guided research assignments
Supervised development of literature reviews and reports
DESIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Graduate or Doctoral-level coursework in Social Work, Public Health, Psychology, Psychiatry, or related field
Strong research, analytical, and writing skills
Ability to synthesize complex systems and policy information
Interest in healthcare systems, Medicaid, and social service integration
Strong attention to detail and organization
TIME COMMITMENT
This internship is structured for educational benefit and professional development and does not constitute employment.
Remote position; intern must have access to reliable technology and workspace
Weekly hours: TBD
Availability during standard business hours preferred
Participation in onboarding and required IRC trainings
Commitment to consistent and reliable engagement throughout the internship
ELIGIBILITY & ONBOARDING REQUIREMENTS
Must be located in the U.S. during the internship
Must be at least 18 years old
Completion of IRC background check
Completion of IRC onboarding and required trainings, including:
IRC Way, Every Day
Safety and Security Training
Safeguarding Training
Information Security Awareness
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 operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.
US Benefits
We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US 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, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.
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.
From International Rescue Committee (IRC)'s public posting, laid out for reading by newgrad.ai with the wording unchanged. Check the original before you apply.
