School Orientation Support Intern (Unpaid)

International Rescue Committee
United States, New Jersey, Elizabeth
Nov 15, 2024
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. BACKGROUND: International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in more than 40 countries and over 20 U.S. cities, the IRC provides resettlement, education, and empowerment support to refugees and displaced people. Over the past eight years, the Refugee Youth Program at IRC NJ has developed partnerships with Union, Essex, and Hudson County public schools, community-based organizations, and local colleges and universities to support the positive development of refugee youth and their communities in New Jersey. The Refugee Youth Program provides year-round programming working directly with refugee youth, their parents and families, and their schools. SCOPE OF WORK: The goal of the youth programs is to help recently arrived refugee and immigrant children, and youth adapt successfully to elementary, middle, and high schools and prepare for college, career, and beyond while meeting their short and long-term educational needs and supporting refugee youth's social-emotional well-being and English language development. RESPONSIBILITIES: The Youth Education Programs at the IRC in Elizabeth Support newly arrived refugee and immigrant youth, their families, and their schools with the school adjustment process and preparation for college and beyond. Refugee Youth School Orientation Support Interns will assist with and eventually lead school orientations for newly arrived parents and students. School orientations will inform parents/guardians and students about the education system here in New Jersey and how school policies and procedures may differ from their country of origin. The School Orientation Support Intern will also provide specific school, faculty, and beneficial resources offered to families from the student(s) enrolled school. Under the supervision of and with the support from the Youth Program Specialist, Interns will: Provide or secure interpretation services as needed to inform students and parents about school specific information and educational resources and related information. Input casenotes into IRC platforms. Assist and lead school orientation presentations to parents/students. Research and compile specific school information for parents to keep and reference during school orientation presentations and throughout the year. Participate in staff development and team meetings and workshops. Under the supervision of the Youth Program Specialist, assess and monitor family needs and make appropriate referrals. Complete related tasks and responsibilities assigned by the Youth Program Specialist. Learning Objectives: The intern will learn about refugee resettlement issues and processes especially K-12 education registration and accessing educational services. The intern will develop outreach and advocacy skills. The intern will develop direct client service skills. The intern will develop culturally responsive practice skills. Minimum Qualifications: Requirements: Currently pursuing a Bachelor or Master Degree in Social Work, education, public health, or related fields. Experience working with children and youth along with parents specifically in the context of educational and social programs. Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations is highly desirable. Fluency in a second language preferred (i.e., Spanish, Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Farsi, Kiswahili, and French Ability to work independently and collaboratively. Shows empathy, patience, cooperation, and interpersonal skills while working as a team and working with clients. Understand the need to approach and apply case management methods with the goal of client self-sufficiency and sustainability. Availability to commit 15-20 hours a week in person (2 days in person). 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. IRC, leading the way From Harm to Home. 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.