INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW: The Housing Casework Intern will work directly with newly arrived refugees to assess their housing needs, orient them to US housing practices, and provide individualized follow up support as clients work towards self-sufficient housing management. They will help with apartment showings and set ups to make sure housing is ready upon or shortly after arrival for Colorado's newest refugees. They will also work with multiple IRC teams to develop a variety of client-facing housing materials.
LOCATION: IRC Denver Office and in the Community
COMMITMENT: 10-15 hours per week; during business hours only 9 am - 5 pm; January 6 - May 16, 2025. Weekly schedule to be determined by supervisor and intern.
COMPENSATION: This is an unpaid internship. Interns receive mileage reimbursement when duties include driving.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Meet with newly arrived refugee clients to discuss their housing needs and priorities and explain IRC housing services
Help clients review and sign apartment leases.
Help setup utilities for clients and provide client education on bill pay
Travel to site visits and meetings at apartment complexes
Help with apartment set ups and ensure each home has required items
Provide housing orientation for newly arrived refugee clients ensuring they know how to use appliances, make maintenance requests, etc.
Assist in research and development of client facing housing education materials
Provide follow up housing support to clients, facilitating communication and education about housing as needed
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
The Housing Casework Intern will develop the skills of listening for understanding and motivational interviewing as their work directly with clients. They will gain experience teaching and coaching a diverse refugee population. They will learn about navigating the housing market in Denver for the refugee population. Interns will acquire detailed knowledge about the reception and placement period for newly arrived refugees, core resettlement services provided during this time, and public benefits available for refugees and asylees.
SUPERVISION: This position reports to the Housing Coordinator.
This is an unpaid internship position. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available.
TO APPLY: Interested applicants should submit an application, along with a cover letter, resume and writing sample here: https://irc-global.my.salesforce-sites.com/volunteer
Qualified applicants will be selected for an initial phone screening with the Volunteer Coordinator.
QUESTIONS? Email ircdenver.volunteer@rescue.org
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.
Required skills
Organized and detail-oriented
Some experience with renting, moving, paying bills, operating household appliances
Some heavy lifting during housing set-ups required
Willingness to transport clients, reliable vehicle, driver's license, and insurance
Preferred skills:
Interpersonal communication, advocacy, public speaking, Microsoft Suite experience