Economic Empowerment - Client Benefits Intern, Spring 25

SCOPE OF WORK

The Economic Empowerment program assists refugees to become economically self-sufficient by placing recently arrived refugees in their first job in the United States. The goal of the program is to help clients reduce barriers to self-sufficiency and employment and assist clients in securing full-time employment. Clients receive public benefits as they transition to employment and obtain sufficient income to successfully pay their expenses. The Spring 2025 Economic Empowerment – Client Benefits Intern will work closely with the Economic Empowerment and Resettlement teams to ensure clients receive seamless and high-quality services. 

Please note that this is an unpaid internship. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide equal treatment to all client groups in accordance with the agency's commitment to the dignity of all persons.
• Orient clients to Refugee Cash Assistance and KTAP Differential programs.
• Assist Caseworkers in gathering necessary documentation for submitting public benefits applications.
• Transport clients to the Department of Community Based Services (DCBS) office as needed. 
• Regularly follow up with DCBS to check the status of public benefits applications. 
• Maintain accurate and up to date case files and case notes. 
• Regularly track service provision and cash distributions through electronic data entry.
• Other duties as assigned.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

• Intern will gain US resettlement agency experience in assessing new clients.
• Interns will learn how to communicate effectively across cultures including by utilizing interpreters.
• Intern will acquire knowledge of programs and public benefits available to humanitarian immigrants.
• Intern will learn reporting requirements for resettlement agencies and how capturing this data improves services.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be a current undergraduate student, graduate student, or less than 12 months past graduation.
• Access to a personal vehicle/reliable transportation; IRC Louisville cannot support securing transportation or housing for interns.  
• Candidates must be a U.S. citizen or must have active and compliant visas and work authorization status in the United States (the IRC must not be represented as a sponsor or host in any application, filing, or other context for an intern). 
• Primary availability during IRC business hours (M-F; 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM). 
• Preference given to applicants able to make multi-term commitment.
• Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially.
• Strong intercultural communication skills, including demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and across language barriers.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
• Previous experience working with vulnerable populations preferred, but not required.
• Education and/or experience working in social work/social services preferred, but not required. 
• Comfortable with Microsoft Excel and willingness to learn to use new software for data entry.
• Adherence to IRC volunteer/intern and workplace policies

TRAINING & GUIDANCE

• In-depth training will be provided for interns to understand IRC programming and the various needs of clients accessing IRC services. Interns will receive training on IRC’s federal R&P and APA service agreements and their programmatic requirements for resettlement services.
•  Interns with client languages who could serve as an interpreter will receive guidance on policies when interpreting. Other activity specific training will be provided as needed. 
• Flexibility, initiative, and a desire to collaborate are essential qualities for this intern opportunity. A high-level of confidentiality is required when working with IRC clients.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.