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.
SCOPE OF WORK
The Refugee Health and Social Integration Intern will work in close coordination with case management teams to serve refugees and other vulnerable immigrants who are struggling to navigate various systems, such as the U.S. healthcare system, and access resources and services.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work directly with IRC clients to assess their needs and priorities, collaborating with them to create service plans and deliver ongoing case management.
- Guide clients to various appointments, including but not limited to appointments with lawyers, health care and public benefit providers.
- Engage in community mapping to identify and refer clients to external resources. Engage in community outreach activities to identify potential clients and increase IRC visibility.
- Assist in maintaining quality control of files.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Intern will gain case management experience by interacting with and assisting clients.
- Intern will acquire detailed knowledge of the US healthcare system.
- Intern will learn reporting requirements for resettlement agencies and how to capture data to improve services.
- Intern will learn or improve communication skills.
Qualifications
- Commitment of 3 months required and at least 15 hours per week. 30 hours per week preferred.
- Ability to work in-person required.
- Reliable access to a personal vehicle, valid US driver's license, and active insurance policy.
- Ability to work independently and under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
- Organized with attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and writing skills.
- An interest in human rights.
- Proven ability to work as a team member in a dynamic setting.
- Willingness to use public transportation with clients in order to orient clients to buses, etc.
- Proficiency in Arabic, Amharic, Tigrinya, Swahili, Farsi or French desirable.
Application deadline: May 22, 2026
Please attach a resume, cover letter, and a list of (at least) three references to your application.
This position is for the Summer semester and requires a minimum commitment of 30 hours per week. Ability to work in-person at the Silver Spring office and at a minimum of 15 hours per week is required.
Summer 2026 interns are expected to begin their internship term by attending an in-person intern orientation on June 1st, 2026 from 9:15AM-3:30PM.
We currently offer internships during the following semesters:
- Fall: September – December
Internships are typically posted 2-3 months prior to the anticipated start date.
Internships with the IRC in Silver Spring are unpaid. Summer 2026 interns may be eligible for per diem reimbursement at the rate of $15/day to offset the costs of food and travel. For information on scholarship opportunities, contact your university or the IRC Silver Spring Community Engagement Coordinator Michalina Kulesza at michalina.kulesza@rescue.org.
Candidates applying not enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program and outside of 12 months from graduation are welcome to apply. These candidates will be processed as volunteers.
To protect our clients, the IRC requires all selected applicants to complete background checks. We ask that you make a $30 donation to help us cover the associated costs. Currently, 87% of our funding goes directly to programming to support our clients, and your help to cover this cost will ensure that no funding is directed away from serving our clients. Instructions will be provided after you have been selected to intern or volunteer.
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.
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.
