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Spring 2025: Resettlement Administrative Intern (Unpaid)

San Diego CA

  • Organization: IRC - International Rescue Committee
  • Location: San Diego CA
  • Grade: Internship - Internship
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Operations and Administrations
    • Human Settlements (Shelter, Housing, Land, Property)
  • Closing Date:

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.

*Please note: this is an unpaid internship*

IRC BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading organization providing relief, protection, and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression throughout the U.S. IRC in San Diego has resettled over 31,000 refugees to San Diego County over the past 48 years and provides numerous program services. In San Diego, the IRC opened its doors in 1975 and has grown to serve approximately 7,000 refugee and immigrant individuals from 115 countries of origin each year through 5 different departments. 

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK: The Resettlement Administrative Intern will be instrumental in helping newly arrived refugees connect to appropriate services in San Diego via phone and email and support the Resettlement team with related administrative tasks. The Resettlement Department consists of two programs; Reception & Placement, and Afghan Integration Resettlement Services. Interns will work with both programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Assist Resettlement Caseworkers and clients by scheduling appointments with the DMV, health check-ups, legal consultations, school enrollments, etc.

  • Help prepare and process casefiles for caseworkers and new clients.

  • Assist Resettlement Caseworkers in coordinating airport pickups for newly arriving refugee families. 

  • Help clients enroll in services.

  • Develop guides and learning materials for client use (examples: healthcare navigation, food banks, local community guides, etc.)

  • Organize long-term projects or resources that will benefit the livelihoods of refugee clients.

  • Provide ongoing office support for the Resettlement department including preparing case files, writing and emailing on behalf of clients, maintaining supplies, and welcoming guests.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES – by completing this internship, the intern will:

  1. Learn about the core Services that Resettlement Agencies provide to refugees.

  1. Be able to develop service plans and identify the essential steps of setting up new refugee families for success in San Diego.  

  1. Gain familiarity with the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.

  1. Learn about the refugee population in San Diego.

  1. Gain an understanding of the organization and administration of an international non-profit though hands-on experience at the local office level.


Minimum Qualifications:

REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or Master’s program focused on Education, International Relations/Development, Social Work, or related field

  • Must be a self-starter, enthusiastic, and possess a positive attitude.   

  • Excellent organization skills, strong communication and interpersonal skills, empathetic, and ability to effectively collaborate

  • Ability to use basic functions of Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office programs 

  • English fluency required

  • 1+ years related work or volunteer experience with a non-profit strongly preferred

  • A strong interest in working with a diverse, low-income population is required.

  • Proactive, motivated and flexible; able to remain calm and adapt within a fast-paced work environment

  • Language skills a plus (Farsi/Dari, Kiswahili, Arabic, or Russian strongly preferred)

This position reports to Resettlement Program Supervisor.

Compensation: This is an unpaid internship opportunity.

Working Environment:

  • The Resettlement Administrative Internship is in-person at the San Diego office.

  • Required Weekly Hours: 10-15 Hours

  • San Diego Office hours are scheduled Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm PST.Selected interns can choose their hours based on this window of availability.


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.
We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.