TITLE: Housing Program Intern 

LOCATION: Des Moines, IA  

START DATE: Ongoing

DURATION: 3-4 Months, Minimum of 10 hours per week 

BACKGROUND:  

The International Rescue Committee is the leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. The IRC is committed to freedom, human dignity, and self-reliance.  This commitment is reflected in well-planned resettlement assistance, global emergency relief, rehabilitation, and advocacy for refugees. Founded in 1933, the IRC is a global leader in emergency relief, rehabilitation, protection of human rights, post-conflict development, resettlement services and advocacy for those uprooted or affected by conflict and oppression. The resettlement office in Des Moines IA provides services to newly arrived refugees. 

The Des Moines, IA office was opened in July of 2022, serving more than 200 refugees in its first year.  

 

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK:  

The case management program includes providing core services to new arrivals, and helping clients work towards self-sufficiency during their first two years in the U.S. in the areas of health, employment, finances, education, housing, family, and community. Under the supervision of the Housing Program Coordinator, the intern will work to expand the capacity of the Housing team and support crucial services to clients moving into their first homes in the U.S.  

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  

  • Create Excel spreadsheets and maps that can aid in the monitoring of housing resources and progress toward goals. 
  • Help coordinate materials needed for housing set-ups. 
  • Work to ensure inventory of supplies are in stock, organized and ready to distribute in new homes. 
  • Support the team with outreach to landlords. 
  • Assist with various activities such as tenant applications, housing orientation classes, and other client-facing service support. 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

  • Gain exposure to interacting with diverse communities, cultures, and backgrounds. 
  • Deepen understanding of the unique barriers, challenges, and assets of the refugee and immigrant communities. 
  • Develop skills related to building a network of connections and resources in the community. 
  • Experience in creation and implementation of data tracking systems. 

REQUIREMENTS:  

  • Background in social work OR other related fields 
  • Experience and moderate efficiency with Microsoft products. 
  • Ability to work efficiently and accurately under multiple demands and frequent interruptions. 
  • Strong written and oral communication skills. 
  • Interpersonal skills. 

This is an unpaid internship position, with some reimbursement for costs associated with the internship.

 

Interested applicants should visit https://www.rescue.org/volunteer-opportunities/des-moines-ia to apply, please attach a current resume and cover letter.  Email [email protected] for more information. 

 

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.