Housing Assistant Intern

International Rescue Committee
United States, Utah, Salt Lake City
Nov 22, 2024
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. BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading, non-sectarian, non-profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. Domestically, our 28 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency. SCOPE OF VOLUNTEER WORK: The housing team within the IRC provides critical support to newly arrived refugees by finding and securing homes for clients, moving living materials into the house/apartment, negotiating with landlords, and providing much-needed information about housing rules and regulations in the United States. The housing intern will participate in each of these areas and increase the capacity of the team overall. COMMITMENT: 10-20 hours/week, January 13th - April 25th RESPONSIBILITIES: Provide services to new arrivals: lease signing, setting up utilities, food delivery, home safety and cleaning orientation. Work with volunteers to deliver furniture and supplies into a unit, set up the unit, and coordinate transportation for newly arrived refugee clients Support the housing team with their search for affordable housing in Salt Lake County Help build and manage internal systems, write case notes, work on case file management, fill out applications, etc. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Intern will gain a deeper understanding of the affordable housing landscape in Salt Lake County and barriers to accessing affordable housing. Intern will gain a better understanding of tenant/landlord relationships, including navigating lease term agreements. Intern will gain experience in refugee resettlement logistics, including understanding requirements for refugee housing setups and community inputs required to accomplish setups. Minimum Qualifications: REQUIREMENTS: Must be currently enrolled in a graduate/undergraduate program, or have graduated less than 6 months ago Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English; fluency in additional foreign language preferred. Background check is required Must have a valid driver's license and reliable access to an insured vehicle. Ability to lift heavy items and stand for a long period of time throughout the day. Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook) Motivated and flexible. Ability to work independently and manage time effectively. Ability to communicate and work as a team member in a cross-cultural environment. Organized and attention to detail. This is an unpaid volunteer position. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available. 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.