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 24 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. The IRC in Atlanta office was established in 1979 and has resettled over 30,000 refugees from 67 countries into the Greater Atlanta area. As the largest refugee resettlement agency in Georgia, the IRC in Atlanta resettles an average of 1,000 refugees into Georgia annually and provides additional services and assistance to another 2,500 refugees and asylees. 

SCOPE OF FINANCIAL COACHING INTERN WORK: The Small Business & Financial Capability Intern reports directly to (1) the IRC’s Small Business Counselor and (2) the IRC’s Financial Coach and supports the efforts of the Economic Empowerment (EE) Department. The Microenterprise Development Program, which is positioned within the Economic Empowerment (EE) Department, provides refugees currently in business or seeking to start businesses with opportunities for business training, one-on-one business technical assistance, and assistance with access to credit and capital. The Financial Capability Program, also positioned within the EE Department, provides clients with the knowledge and tools needed to gain an economic foothold in the U.S. through financial literacy workshops, one-on-one financial counseling and goal setting, budget planning, tax preparation and connecting clients with community financial resources. Both programs work in close collaboration with each other. Please note that all internship positions are unpaid.  

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Participate in Financial Capability and Economic Empowerment group meetings Provide input on creating more efficient client strategies Input client data and handle various administrative and logistical tasks related to client appointments Participate in client family budget/budget improvement appointments Assist Financial Coaches in resolving clients’ financial challenges Assist Financial Coaches in setting up of clients’ IOM loan repayment Assist in facilitating awareness of other Financial Capability group programs offered by IRC that may benefit clients Make appropriate referrals to other areas of IRC on behalf of client, as appropriate Participate in financial literacy workshops for new arrival clients, covering topics including budgeting, banking, and credit Assist the Microenterprise Development (MED) team with program recruitment efforts by developing and distributing flyers and brochures, and engaging with community organizations and local businesses Provide program orientations and trainings to individuals and groups Work with refugee and immigrant entrepreneurs to strengthen their business plans, develop marketing materials, and provide other supportive services as needed Conduct business-related research in key industries Maintain case files for program clients Enter data into the program’s information data systems and internal tracking systems Provide general administrative support and maintain accurate records of Microenterprise Development (MED) program activities Submit intern hours on volunteer dashboard Other duties as assigned