Announcement
Looking for a meaningful way to put your education to real-world experience? Interested in gaining hands-on professional experience in a social service setting? Become an intern with the IRC in Kansas!
Check out 2020 fall and 2021 spring internship position descriptions.
How to apply:
- Complete the IRC’s online volunteer and intern application.
- Email a one-page resume and one-page cover letter to [email protected] with “Internship Application” in the subject line. In your cover letter, indicate which position(s) you are applying for. If applying for multiple positions, please indicate your order of preference. Incomplete applications (e.g. missing online application, resume or cover letter) will not be considered.
Priority application deadline: Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Please review the frequently asked questions below before submitting your application. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us at [email protected].
FAQs
How do I apply? What is the application deadline?
Can I apply for multiple internship positions?
Can I apply if I live or am going to school out of state?
Are there age or other eligibility requirements to be an intern?
What is the typical time commitment involved in an internship?
Where are internship positions located?
Can the IRC assist with relocation, housing or transportation for the purposes of my internship?
Are internship positions paid?
How do I apply? What is the application deadline?
To apply, please complete IRC’s online volunteer and intern application and email a one-page resume and one-page cover letter to [email protected] with “Internship Application” in the subject line. In your cover letter, indicate which position(s) you are applying for. If applying for multiple positions, please indicate your order of preference. Incomplete applications (e.g. missing online application, resume or cover letter) will not be considered.
Applicants will be notified if selected for an interview, which can be conducted in-person, over the phone, or via Zoom/Teams. Please note that we typically receive more applications for summer internships than there are available positions, so submitting an application does not guarantee placement in an internship position. Priority application deadline: Wednesday, September 9th, 2020.
Can I apply for multiple internship positions?
Yes. If interested in multiple positions, please indicate so in your application materials. You may be required to interview for positions separately. If selected for multiple internship positions, you may choose to intern in multiple roles simultaneously (if scheduling permits) or select your first-choice position.
Can I apply if I live or am going to school out of state?
Yes. Every year we welcome talented interns from across the country! Please note that the IRC is not able to assist with relocation or housing if you are selected for an internship position.
Are there age or other eligibility requirements to be an intern?
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. To be considered an “intern” one must be a student or recent graduate. All applicants are subject to a criminal background check and must agree to follow IRC workplace and volunteer policies. If an internship position requires driving, applicants will also be required to pass a driving background check. For specific experience and skill requirements, please see individual position descriptions.
What is the typical time commitment involved in an internship?
Interns commit to at least 2-3 or 4-6 months of service, with start dates, training dates and weekly time commitments varying by position. Select positions require a longer time commitment. All positions are part-time. Please see individual position descriptions for details.
Where are internship positions located?
Most internship positions are based at our office, located at 1530 South Oliver, Suite 270, Wichita, Kansas or surrounding areas in Sedgwick County. Please ensure you have reliable transportation to and from your internship site prior to applying.
Can the IRC assist with relocation, housing or transportation for the purposes of my internship?
Unfortunately, the IRC cannot assist with relocation to the Wichita area, or with housing/transportation costs during your internship.
Are internship positions paid?
Internships are not paid. Opportunities to earn school credit may exist depending on your school’s policies and requirements. If interested in earning school credit from your internship, please indicate so when applying.
Fall and Spring Internship Positions
Please click position title to jump to full position description.
Anti-Trafficking Case Aide Intern - Position Filled
Immigration Intern - Position Filled
Outreach & Development Intern - Youth Program
Anti-Trafficking Case Aide Intern
The Human Trafficking Case Aide Intern will work with survivors of sex and labor trafficking, assisting the case manager in everyday direct service activities. This may include, assisting with client intakes, documenting safety planning and ensuring clients have access to emergency resources, facilitating life skills classes, transporting clients to and from appointments, and working within a trauma-informed framework to provide services to some of Wichita and Kansas’ most vulnerable populations. She/he will work directly under the supervision and guidance of the Anti-Human Trafficking Program Coordinator and the Human Trafficking Caseworker. This internship is a great opportunity to gain professional experience in a multi-cultural, social service setting.
LOCATION: IRC Wichita office
TIME COMMITMENT: Minimum 15 hours/week during IRC office hours (M-F, 9am-5pm). Regular schedule required. Minimum 6 month commitment. Position begins Fall 2020.
ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS:
Complete intensive IRC training on victim advocacy and trauma-informed service provision
Assistance in and facilitation of internal training on policy and procedures and screening tools
Assist with housing outreach to secure housing options for survivors
Assist in the development and dissemination of internal policy and procedures regarding the human trafficking case management program
Assist case manager in intake services, including but not limited to, needs assessments, safety planning and service planning.
Create case notes regarding all services provided to or on behalf of a client.
Maintain a professional attitude and appearance as an IRC representative
Fulfill other case management responsibilities assigned by supervising Case Manager/Advocate
REQUIREMENTS:
This internship is for undergraduate students, graduate students, or recent college graduates
Strong intercultural communication skills; demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and across language barriers
Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
Comfortable working in high-stress environments; must be adaptable, flexible, and patient
Familiarity with Windows operating system and confidence in basic computer skills (word processing, email, data entry); willingness to learn new software
Familiarity with trauma-informed practices preferred
Ability to communicate effectively in English; additional fluency in one of the following languages desirable, but not required: Spanish, Swahili, Pashto
Must have valid driver’s license, vehicle, auto insurance and a clean driving record
Willingness to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies
The Case Management intern will assist refugee and immigrant clients in connecting clients to community resources, as well as establishing and developing programs, leading group classes and meeting one-on-one with clients. This internship is a great opportunity to gain professional experience in a multi-cultural, social service setting.
LOCATION: IRC Wichita office or remote
TIME COMMITMENT: Minimum 10-15 hours/week during IRC office hours (M-F, 9am-5pm). Regular schedule required. Minimum 6 month commitment. Position begins Fall 2020.
ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS:
Complete intensive IRC training on victim advocacy and trauma-informed service provision
Assist clients in applying for and renewing benefits
Help clietns build self-sufficiency skills, especially in the area of navigating community systems
Contribute to the design and implementation of psychosocial support groups
Accompany clients to appointments and advocate on their behalf when needed
Contribute to curriculum designed to teach clients life skills and lead group classes
Complete assessments and follow-up with clients
Ensure all documentation and case noting is to IRC and donor compliance standards
REQUIREMENTS:
This internship is for undergraduate students, graduate students, or recent college graduates
Strong intercultural communication skills; demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and across language barriers
Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
Comfortable working in high-stress environments; must be adaptable, flexible, and patient
Familiarity with Windows operating system and confidence in basic computer skills (word processing, email, data entry); willingness to learn new software
Familiarity with trauma-informed practices preferred
Ability to communicate effectively in English
Must have valid driver’s license, vehicle, auto insurance and a clean driving record
Willingness to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies
Help refugees as they prepare for their first job in the United States! The Employment Program Intern work closely with IRC Employment Specialists to accomplish a variety of employment-related activities, such as developing resumes, interview preparation, and assisting refugees as they learn public transportation routes and schedules. Interns also assist in the organization and maintenance of client case files and other administrative tasks as assigned. This position is a great opportunity to gain experience in a social service setting and to learn about local refugee communities.
LOCATION: IRC Wichita office or remote
TIME COMMITMENT: 8-10 hours/week during IRC office hours (M-F, 9am-5pm). Regular schedule required. Minimum 2-3 month commitment.
ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS:
Provide 1-on-1 support to refugees, SIV’s and asylees as part of their job search including resume writing, interview preparation, filling out new hire paperwork and obtaining good handler’s permits
Teach job seekers how to ride bus/light rail to work, make transfers and read public transportation schedules
Organize and maintain client case files and perform other administrative functions such as filing, copying, data entry and answering phones
Take clients shopping for clothing items required for work
Work closely with IRC employment staff to identify knowledge gaps and potentially develop and implement workshops aimed to fill those gaps
Streamline content of workshops such as digital and financial literacy based on established curriculum and assist in the monitoring and evaluating of outcomes
Coordinate schedules of workshops, including calling clients and communicating with other members of the Employment team
Attend and assist with employment-related fieldtrips
Other activities related to employment as needed
REQUIREMENTS:
This internship is for undergraduate students, graduate students, or recent college graduates
Must be culturally sensitive, respectful of diverse backgrounds and willing to work with English language learners; previous cross-cultural communication experience a plus
Familiarity with employment-related functions: writing resumes, filling out online job applications and interviewing for jobs.
Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially
Ability to communicate effectively in English; additional fluency in one of the following languages helpful, but not required: Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Kinyarwanda, Kiswahili, Pashto, or Urdu
Must be self-motivated and comfortable working with little supervision at times
Flexibility and a positive attitude a must
Applicants preferred who have valid driver’s license, vehicle, auto insurance and a clean driving record
Willingness to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies
The Financial Literacy Internship will support IRC clients in achieving lasting economic stability and financial self-sufficiency in the United States. By empowering refugees to engage in healthy financial decision making through education and one-on-one mentoring, this position supports the mission of IRC to help refugees move towards economic independence. The intern position also provides an opportunity to gain a deeper knowledge of the IRC and the U.S. refugee resettlement program more broadly.
TIME COMMITMENT: 10-15 hours/week during IRC office hours (M-F, 9am-5pm). Regular schedule preferred. Minimum 3 month commitment, 4 month preferred.
ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS:
Using existing IRC financial literacy curriculum, teach or co-teach weekly 1-hour financial literacy lessons on topics including creating a budget, debt management, personal banking, avoiding predatory lending products, etc.
Develop workshop materials or tailor existing materials to meet the needs of participants
Conduct basic budgets with clients
Teach Introduction to Credit course in group or 1-on-1 settings on an as-needed basis
Accompany clients to local banks to open bank accounts and/or secured credit cards
REQUIREMENTS:
Commitment to the goals and philosophy of IRC
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Possess a great attention to detail and organizational skills
Strong sense of personal initiative and ability to work independently
Interest in personal finance and financial literacy
Experience working with multicultural populations
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Background in finance, banking, accounting, consumer protection, or other relevant fields
Outreach & Development Intern - Youth Program
The Youth Program Outreach and Development Intern will work to increase the IRC’s Youth Program visibility in the community through online and traditional media outreach and event coordination. The Intern will assist the Youth Program Team with administrative duties and tasks related to outreach and special events. The Intern will also develop media content around IRC’s youth programming including videos and pictures. The Intern must willing and able to visit programming outside of the IRC office throughout the greater Wichita area.
LOCATION: IRC Wichita office, or remotely
TIME COMMITMENT: Minimum 6 hours/week during IRC office hours (M-F, 9am-5pm). Occasional evenings and weekends required. Regular schedule required. Minimum 3 month commitment. 6 month commitment preferred.
ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS:
Support Youth Program event coordination including logistics, communication, and outreach
Help coordinate monthly e-newsletter
Create media content such as photos and videos of Youth Programs (afterschool, homework help, field trips, etc.)
Assist with social media strategy and content development (primarily Facebook) including photos and videos
Help develop youth outreach materials, such as fact sheets and promotional flyers
Other activities related to outreach, communications, and development as assigned by supervisor
REQUIREMENTS:
This internship is for undergraduate students, graduate students, or recent college graduates. Students pursuing degrees in the fields of communications, marketing, public relations, or other related fields may be particularly interested in this position
Deep commitment to IRC’s core values and the ability to model and communicate those values in relationships with IRC staff, clients, partners, and community leaders
Strong writing and editing skills, with focus on details
Must be able to work productively in a team environment, as well as under minimal supervision, taking the initiative to ask questions as needed
Confidence in basic computer skills; must be able to work effectively with MS Word, Excel, email, and internet applications
Some graphic design experience preferred, but not required
Basic to intermediate photo and video editing skills preferred, but not required
Ability to handle sensitive information confidentially
Ability to commit to a consistent schedule during IRC business hours (schedule may be adjusted quarterly to accommodate changing school schedule)
Experience working in multicultural environments is a plus
Willingness to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies
The IRC’s Immigration Program provides services to refugees, asylees and other immigrants in the Wichita area. The Immigration Intern will assist immigration staff and work one-on-one with clients applying for adjustment of status (green cards), United States citizenship, family reunification petitions and other immigration benefits. This position may be of particular interest to law students or those pursuing other immigration-related fields, although a legal background or previous immigration experience is not a requirement. This internship is a great opportunity to gain professional experience in a multi-cultural, social service setting.
LOCATION: IRC Wichita office or remote
TIME COMMITMENT: Minimum 10-15 hours/week during IRC office hours (M-F, 9am-5pm). Regular schedule required. Minimum 2-3 month commitment.
ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS:
Conduct initial eligibility assessments of potential applicants
Assist with accurate completion of application forms for clients
Notify clients via telephone, email or mailings about matters related to their applications
Assist clients with additional necessary procedures, such as requests for evidence and follow-up advocacy
Assist in outreach efforts for immigration services
Assist Immigration staff with paperwork, record-keeping and filing
Other administrative and general office support as needed
REQUIREMENTS:
This internship is for undergraduate students, graduate students, or recent college graduates
Strong intercultural communication skills; demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and across language barriers
Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially
Strong organizational skills, time management skills and attention to detail
Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
Comfortable working in high-stress environments; must be adaptable, flexible, and patient
Familiarity with Windows operating system and confidence in basic computer skills (word processing, email, data entry); willingness to learn new software
Ability to communicate effectively in English; additional fluency in one of the following languages desirable, but not required: Arabic, Burmese, Dari, Farsi, Kinyarwanda, Kiswahili, Pashto, Somali, or Urdu
Willingness to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies
The IRC’s Career Development Program helps newcomers to the US develop skills and professional networks to help them achieve long-term career goals. Within this program, the IRC is starting a new pilot project: Digital Literacy for New Americans. Throughout the semester, the Digital Literacy Intern will assist with developing, piloting, and evaluating a set of digital literacy learning resources designed to help refugees and immigrants acquire digital competencies needed for workplace success. This internship is an opportunity to gain experience in curriculum development, adult education, and program evaluation.
LOCATION: IRC Wichita office ore remote
TIME COMMITMENT: Minimum 10-15 hours/week during IRC office hours, 2-3 days/week. Regular schedule required. 2-3 month commitment.
ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS:
Recruit participants for Digital Literacy Pilot and work closely with Career Development Coordinator to implement and monitor initiative
Streamline content of existing digital literacy curriculum
Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of the pilot project
Work with clients as they learn digital literacy skills related to job search, MS Office, online training platforms, communication, and continuous tech learning
Organize and maintain client case files and perform other administrative duties supporting the Career Development Program, such as filing, copying, data entry, case notes, and answering phones
Attend and assist with career-related fieldtrips
Collect client stories to showcase benefits of career development trainings
Assist with other Career Development Program activities as needed
REQUIREMENTS:
Internships are open to undergraduate students, graduate students, or recent college graduates. This position may be of particular interest to people studying TESOL, education, social work, or social sciences.
Strong inter-cultural communication skills; demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and across language barriers
Familiarity with job search and professional development activities, such as writing resumes, filling out online job applications, interviewing for jobs, professional networking, etc.
Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially
Ability to communicate effectively in English; additional fluency in one of the following languages helpful, but not required: Swahili, French, Arabic, Tigrinya, Pashto, Dari
Must be self-motivated and comfortable working with little supervision at times
Flexibility and a positive attitude is a must
Applicants preferred who have valid driver’s license, vehicle, auto insurance, and a clean driving record
Willingness to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies
