BACKGROUND: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. The IRC’s U.S. Programs (USP) department creates opportunities for refugees and other vulnerable migrants to survive and thrive in America. USP serves more than 40,000 individuals each year, including thousands of newly arrived refugees, through a diverse portfolio of programs aimed at achieving outcomes in five impact areas: Health, Safety, Economic Wellbeing, Education, and Power.  The IRC works with government bodies, civil society actors and local volunteers to help refugees, asylees and those with Special Immigrant Visas translate their past experiences into assets that are valuable to their new communities.  

In Elizabeth and other offices across the country, the IRC helps refugees and asylees to rebuild their lives through services and programs that assist with initial resettlement through longer term integration.  The IRC in NJ was founded in 1984.  As the largest refugee resettlement agency in NJ, the IRC in NJ resettles an average of 400 refugees into NJ annually and provides additional services and assistance to another 2,500 refugees and asylees.   

INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW: The Housing Casework Intern will work directly with newly arrived refugees to assess their housing needs, orient them to US housing practices, and provide individualized follow up support as clients work towards self-sufficient housing management. They will help with apartment showings and set ups to make sure housing is ready upon or shortly after arrival for New Jersey's newest refugees.  

COMMITMENT: 15 hours per week minimum; 3 month minimum; 3+ months preferred      

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Meet with newly arrived refugee clients to discuss their housing needs and priorities and explain IRC housing services   

Help clients review and sign apartment leases.  

Help setup utilities for clients and provide client education on bill pay  

Travel to site visits and meetings at apartment complexes   

Help with apartment set ups and ensure each home has required items  

Provide housing orientation for newly arrived refugee clients ensuring they know how to use appliances, make maintenance requests, etc  

Assist in research and development of client facing housing education materials  

Provide follow up housing support to clients, facilitating communication and education about housing as needed