The IRC’s US offices offer a variety of unpaid internship opportunities throughout the year. Prospective interns should be currently enrolled in an educational institution or within 6 months of graduation and are required to submit an application and resume.

Internships at the International Rescue Committee in Phoenix provide college students and recent graduates with opportunities to gain professional experiences and exposure to different fields. Interns learn to work in a multi-cultural environment, build professional networks within the community, and cultivate adaptability and creativity in a dynamic world. 

Please note that most of our internships are in person. There may be some exceptions for specific positions.

On this Page:

Internship Process

Internship Positions

Application Steps:

This is an unpaid internship but course credit is often available.

  1. Get to know the IRC in Tucson and learn more about how you can be involved. To see a list of current internship openings, please see the position descriptions below. For specific questions, email us at [email protected]  
  2. Apply online. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
  3. Interview with the Volunteer Coordinator and Department Supervisor
  4. Receive offer and accept--conditional on background and reference checks
  5. Clearance checks and criminal history disclosures
  6. Apply for a Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card
  7. Volunteer Coordinator will work with you and the supervisor to schedule your first day.
  8. Attend an orientation and training session to learn about office policies, confidentiality, and communication guidelines. You are also expected to make all efforts to participate in ongoing training opportunities.

Commitment

The IRC expects all interns to work 20-25 hrs/wk for 10 weeks during Summer, and 10-15 hrs/wk for 14 weeks during Fall/Spring (when classes are in-session). All internships take place during business hours (8 am to 5pm Mon-Fri) unless otherwise noted on the position description. More stringent requirements for availability or commitment may be additionally listed for certain roles. Examples: 3 full days, must be available Mondays and Fridays from 10am-3pm. 

Interns must be at least 18 years of age, be able to pass a criminal history check, and have authorization to work.

Intern Application Deadlines

  1. Summer Interns: April 15th
  2. Fall Interns: Open until positions are full
  3. Spring Interns: Open until positions are full

Additional applications for some positions are accepted on a rolling basis. 

Students seeking to receive college course credit for their internship are advised to apply earlier.

REMOTE WORK TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS:

Interns will be required to use their own technology tools to work on virtual opportunities. IRC is not responsible for any personal device expenses such as personal smartphones, tablets, hotspots, data charges, etc.

All personal devices must:

  1. Be kept current with all operating system updates and security patches,
  2. Use a password or PIN with a minimum of 4 characters to log onto smartphones and tablets and 8 alpha and numeric characters for a Laptop.
  3. Have lock screen set to 10 minutes or less with a password required to unlock the device
  4. Configurations must be set to delete all data or lock after 10 unsuccessful attempts to enter a password or PIN. Lockout period must be no less than 30 minutes.

Additional policy details will be discussed during orientation and training.

Internship Positions

Match Grant Intern

OVERVIEW:

The IRC in Phoenix’s Matching Grant (MG) team provides early employment services to ensure clients achieve self sufficiency and economic independence. The MG program is a federally funded, voluntary program and an alternative to public cash assistance programs. MG aims to help refugees achieve self-sufficiency through paid employment within their first 180 – 240 days of arrival in the U.S. The MG intern will assist the employment supervisor and MG coordinator with day to day provision of program case management and employment services, as well as provide services directly to MG clients in one-on-one and group settings.

Please note that this is an unpaid position.

This is an in-person position.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

•Provide job search assistance to MG clients including resume creation, application completion, interview preparation, and onboarding support.

•Support the MG case manager to support and solve individual needs such as securing child care, transportation planning, in-kind donation needs, among others.

•Assist on-site in the Glendale office during Job Club and Matching Grant community events.

•Provide administrative support for required program documentation.

•Provide gender equitable services

REQUIREMENTS: 

Requirements include:

•Currently enrolled in a college or university program including: human resources, social services, or other social and behavioral sciences. 

•Self-motivated; able to work independently and in group settings.

•Works well in a fast paced environment and adapts quickly to change.

•Confident in public speaking or has an interest in developing those skills.

CLEARANCES:

All offers are contingent on successfully passing background and criminal history checks as required by federal and state law or by IRC policy.

COMMITMENT:

SUMMER: Minimum 20 hrs/wk for 3 months

FALL/SPRING: Minimum 10 hrs/wk for 3 months

Primary availability during IRC business hours (M-F; 8:30am-5:00pm)

Preference given to applicants able to make multi-term commitment

Reports To: Employment Supervisor

ApplyHere.

Operations and Supply Chain Intern

OVERVIEW:

The Operations and Supply Chain Intern supports Staff in managing inventory and logistics, as well as administrative duties as assigned. Interns will gain familiarity with organizing, collecting, tracking, and disbursing purchased and in-kind resources to refugee and immigrant populations resettled by the IRC. They will assist Staff in maintaining storage space, support procurement efforts, and satisfy recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

Please note that this is an unpaid position.

This is an in-person position.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

REQUIREMENTS:

CLEARANCES:

All offers are contingent on successfully passing background and criminal history checks as required by federal and state law or by IRC policy.

COMMITMENT:

SUMMER: Minimum 20 hrs/wk for 3 months

FALL/SPRING: Minimum 10 hrs/wk for 14 weeks

Primary availability during IRC business hours (M-F; 8:30am-5:00pm)

Preference given to applicants able to make multi-term commitment

Reports To: Operations Supervisor and the Supply Chain Assistant

Apply Here.

New Roots Agriculture Intern 

OVERVIEW:

In this role, the New Roots farm intern will assist the New Roots Farm Coordinator in managing the two farm sites operated by New Roots Phoenix. This includes a community garden with raised garden beds for individuals, an aquaponics greenhouse as well as flood irrigation and drip tape row farming methods. Tasks will include sustainable farming techniques including propagation, production, harvesting and marketing of produce to customers through the farm stand or CSA program. The intern will also support general maintenance of the farm sites, including weeding, watering, picking up trash and site projects. Finally, the intern will support outreach and education of refugee farmers and community members in horticulture/farming and nutrition.

Please note that this position is unpaid.

This is an in-person position with the possibility of occasional remote work.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES: An Intern will learn the following skills:  

REQUIREMENTS:  

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS:

Interns will be required to use their own technology tools to work on virtual opportunities. IRC is not responsible for any personal device expenses such as personal smartphones, tablets, hotspots, data charges, etc.

All personal devices must:

1) Be kept current with all operating system updates and security patches,

2) Use a password or PIN with a minimum of 4 characters to log onto smartphones and tablets and 8 alpha and numeric characters for a Laptop.

3) Have lock screen set to 10 minutes or less with a password required to unlock the device

4) Configurations must be set to delete all data or lock after 10 unsuccessful attempts to enter a password or PIN. Lockout period must be no less than 30 minutes.

Additional policy details will be discussed during orientation and training.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:

All offers are contingent on successfully passing background and criminal history checks as required by federal and state law or by IRC policy.

COMMITMENT:

SUMMER: Minimum 20 hrs/wk for 3 months

FALL/SPRING: Minimum 10 hrs/wk for 14 weeks

Time Commitment: Various times on Monday- Friday 8- 5 pm, some Saturdays 8-12pm, for 3 month minimum 

Preference given to applicants able to make multi-term commitment

Reports To: New Roots Farm Coordinator

Apply Here.

New Roots Education and Outreach Intern

OVERVIEW:

In this role, the New Roots Community Outreach intern will assist the New Roots Community Development Coordinator in creating and managing a multi-faceted community outreach plan. This includes marketing of produce, recruiting gardeners/farmers, developing content for all New Roots social media channels, networking both virtually and in person. The intern will also support events onsite at New Roots urban farm locations. Finally, the intern will support outreach and education of New Roots to the refugee community and greater Phoenix community.  

Please note that this position is unpaid.

This is an in-person position with the possibility of occasional remote work.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

LEARNING OUTCOMES: 

The intern will learn the following skills:

REQUIREMENTS: 

Technology requirements:

CLEARANCES:

All offers are contingent on successfully passing background and criminal history checks as required by federal and state law or by IRC policy.


COMMITMENT:

SUMMER: Minimum 20 hrs/wk for 3 months

FALL/SPRING: Minimum 10 hrs/wk for 14 weeks

Primary availability during IRC business hours (M-F; 8:30am-5:00pm)

Preference given to applicants able to make multi-term commitment

Reports To: New Roots Community Development Coordinator

Apply Here.

Survivors of Torture Intern

OVERVIEW:

The Case Management SOT Intern on the Safety & Wellness Team provides intensive case management to survivors of torture, victims of crime, victims of human trafficking and asylum-seeking families living in Arizona. They will work closely with the program caseworkers and Wellness Team to provide culturally competent, comprehensive services to refugee, foreign national, and immigrant survivors of war, violence, displacement, and trauma. As well as learn how to provide trauma-informed, person-centered, strengths-based services that promote health and safety, inspire confidence, respects choice, and assists survivors towards self-determination as they become active members of their community.

Please note that this is an unpaid position.

This is an in-person position.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Under the supervision of the Survivors of Services Supervisor and Caseworkers, interns will assist with the following:

• Learn how to provide trauma informed and victim centered services to vulnerable refugees and immigrants that have experienced significant trauma; 

• Provide direct service to clients through one-on-one interactions (in office and home visits);

• Provide training for the clients including cultural orientation, transportation, life skills, job readiness training, banking, budgeting classes and client rights and responsibilities;

• Assist clients with connecting to community resources (including: food banks, libraries, shelters, etc.);

• Coordinate individual appointment logistics with health or social providers;

• Provide transportation for client appointments, as needed;

• Collaborate with IRC staff and community partners to enhance activities and supplement services to clients;

• Assist with facilitating psycho-social support groups when needed;

• Research other community resources and continue to expand the resource lists;

• Document all activities in case notes and send weekly client reports;

• Input client data in tracking systems; 

• Other relevant program support duties, as assigned.


 

REQUIREMENTS:

• Cultural competency & consideration

• Excellent written & verbal skills

• Proficient with Excel & other Microsoft Office applications

• Self-starter, ability to complete projects with minimal supervision

• Access to reliable, insured vehicle

• Interest in public health, social work, or international studies preferred, but not required

• Computer literacy, data base experience preferred

• Ability to take initiative and work independently

• Empathy and open mindedness across-cultural environment

• Strong organizational skills

• Must be comfortable working with the LGBTQ community and Asylum Seekers

• Level One Fingerprint Clearance

• Ability to pass IRC background check

CLEARANCES:

All offers are contingent on successfully passing background and criminal history checks as required by federal and state law or by IRC policy.

COMMITMENT:

Reports To:  The Safety & Wellness Supervisor

ApplyHere.

Family Reunification Intern

OVERVIEW:

This internship is located within the Family Reunification Program, whose purpose is to provide clients with assistance in filling applications. Which will allow refugees or asylees the chance to bring their immediate family members from overseas to the United States. This position is an unpaid internship and requires a minimum of 15 hours a week for at least three months.

Please note that this is an unpaid position.

This is an in-person position.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

·       Assist Family Reunification Team in maintaining accurate, up-to date data across pertinent databases in timely manner

·       Conduct comprehensive eligibility calls and intakes

·       Answer client phone calls and texts seeking information on their cases

·       Reach out to clients about any missing documentation or updated documentation

·       Monitor IRIS for any application sent back for corrections needed

·       Call clients to let them know of any applications scheduled for their family members

·       Provide direct service to clients as needed by the Family Reunification Team

·       Assist the Family Reunification Program Team with other duties as needed

·       Attend and actively participate in staff meeting and events

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

·       Students will develop an enhanced professional skill set, interact with other staff, clients and supervisors

·       Develop workplace skills and acquire specific experience needed to pursue professional goals

·       Students will gain knowledge of Affidavits of Relationship

·       Students will learn data collection and data management methods for program development and reporting

·       Students will have hands on experience on completing client intakes for program eligibility

·       Students will gain knowledge of AOR and IRIS administrative procedures

·       Students will gain knowledge on the types of immigration and refugee benefits available to refugees and asylees

 

REQUIREMENTS:  

The requirements should include:

·       An interest in international affairs and to work in a multi-cultural setting

·       Must have reliable work hours during regular office hours (9am-5pm)

·       Ideal candidates are independent, detail-oriented, and highly organized

·       Creativity and initiative to follow through on projects

·       Work or volunteer experience with foreign populations

·       Computer literacy

·       Knowledge of one or two foreign languages such as Spanish, Kinyarwanda, Kiswahili, Dari or Pashto is beneficial, but not required.

·       Applicants must be open to evolving responsibilities

·       Submit intern hours on dashboard

CLEARANCES:

All offers are contingent on successfully passing background and criminal history checks as required by federal and state law or by IRC policy.

COMMITMENT:

Reports To: Family Reunification Coordinator

Apply Here.

Therapeutic Services Intern 

OVERVIEW:

The Therapeutic Services (TS) Intern will work closely with the TS staff to provide support and a positive experience to clients seeking external mental health services and facilitate client to overcome obstacle that prevent them from assessing services, advocating for themselves, and achieving their healing goals. This position will include screening clients for emotional distress, assisting clients establish care with other provider, providing ongoing support to clients to ensure their needs are met, as well as serving as an emergency navigator to assist clients access/obtain services for basic needs such as food, insurance, clothing, etc.

The client population served through this program includes refugees, asylees, and asylum seekers, who may be survivors of torture, victims of human trafficking, gender-based violence survivors, victims of domestic violence or other crimes, and those experiencing mental and emotional distress.

Please note that this position is unpaid.

In-person interns are preferred for this position, but some remote interns and/or hybrid in-person/remote interns may be accepted.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Screen clients for emotional distress using Refugee Health Screener-15 (RHS15).

• Complete appropriate referrals for various services and provide care follow up and coordination. 

• Assist clients with mental health services navigation and equip them with skills for self-advocacy.

• Teach clients skills (ex: appointment organization, scheduling interpretation, scheduling transportation, etc.) to access services on their own. 

• Serve as an emergency resource navigator to assist clients obtain/apply for services for basic needs such as food, insurance, clothing, etc.

• Advocate for quality and culturally appropriate care in a systematic and strategic way.

• Complete administrative tasks (ex: survey, case note, date tracking, etc) on timely manners.

• Assist the TS program organize and recruit clients for monthly wellness or family strengthening events. 

• Practice sensitivity to cultural and personality differences of clients by respecting their beliefs and values.  

• Collaborate with community agencies to support clients receiving services.

• Other relevant program support duties, as assigned.


 

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have a Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card 

• Bachelor’s level focus on public health, counseling, social work, public health or related field is strongly encouraged but is not a limiting factor for candidates.

• Willingness to make initiative to achieve goals.

• Demonstrate cultural humility and an understanding of trauma-informed care.

• Ability to communicate effectively with clinical team, clients, and staff.

• Experience with vulnerable populations preferred, in particular psychological trauma due to war, displacement, violence, and persecution.

• Desire to work with an ethnically diverse international population in innovative ways.

• Ability to work effectively with partners, colleagues, and clients in a cross-cultural, team-based environment.

• Ability to present oneself in an appropriately personable and professional manner to clients and staff.

• Ability to be both consistent and flexible as circumstances warrant.

• Ability to receive and utilize constructive feedback regarding performance, presentation and relationships with others.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong computer skills.

• Proficiency in a second language spoken by the client base strongly preferred but not required.

• A positive attitude and a desire to learn and adapt traditional clinical skills to meet the needs of a diverse client base.

• A vehicle, current driver’s license and valid insurance.

• Must complete a HireRight Background Check

Technology requirements:

CLEARANCES:

All offers are contingent on successfully passing background and criminal history checks as required by federal and state law or by IRC policy.

COMMITMENT:

Reports To: Mekala Pavlin, LCSW

Apply Here. 

Administrative Assistant Intern 

OVERVIEW:

The Administrative Assistant Intern will serve as the central point of contact for clients with the IRC Immigration Legal Services team and provide administrative support to the team. This position involves working directly with clients in a fast-paced environment while maintaining professional standards for capturing accurate information, coordinating client appointments, and facilitating high quality communication. This position works closely with all members of the immigration team. 

Please note that this position is unpaid.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Set-up and conduct pre-screenings and intakes with individuals seeking legal services assistance. 

• Conduct follow-up, including written and telephone communication with applicants and clients regarding documents required, case inquiries and other case related activities.

• Schedule appointments for immigration clients with legal assistants, legal representatives, and/or attorneys.

• Notify clients of USCIS notices and other case related activities. 

• Scan and upload clear and complete copies of case-related documents electronically; print and prepare clear and complete copies of materials to be submitted to government agencies as part of legal filings.

• Maintain case files by copying, scanning, and inputting information in immigration case management database.

• Open and log all mail for immigration programs into the case management software.

• Processing and receiving payments from clients and issuing receipts.

• Understand and strictly abide by rules of confidentiality and protocols regarding unauthorized practice of law.

• Assist with projects and administrative duties as assigned by the Managing Attorney.  


 

LEARNING OUTCOMES: 

• Apply organizational, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills to effectively address routine and novel situations in a law office setting, through written and verbal communication.

• Demonstrate proficiency in records management, office equipment and supplies management, computer technology, and office etiquette.

• Apply general knowledge of immigration law terminology and principles to daily tasks.

• Demonstrate ability to use both manual and electronic file management systems in compliance with the program policies and procedures. 

• Draft, edit and rewrite documents and correspondence to produce high quality, professional legal documents.

• Model behavior that reflects confidence, competence and professionalism.


 

REQUIREMENTS: 

• Fluency in spoken and written English. Bilingual preferred: Spanish or Dari. 

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Knowledge of and / or interest to learn about immigration legal services.

• Experience working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment is required; experience with individuals who are Limited English Proficient (LEP) highly desired. 

• Ability to prioritize duties, coordinate time effectively, and excel in a client-facing, fast-paced position. 

• Interest and ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (i.e., Word, Excel, and Outlook) and web-based applications (i.e., Google forms, Box, databases).

Technology requirements:

CLEARANCES:

All offers are contingent on successfully passing background and criminal history checks as required by federal and state law or by IRC policy.

COMMITMENT:

Reports To: Managing Attorney

ApplyHere.