Housing Intern

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.

NOTE ABOUT COMPENSATION:

Internships at the IRC are unpaid. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available. Reimbursement is available for mileage when using a personal vehicle. Eligible interns will also receive a nominal per diem reimbursement aligned with current intern reimbursement policies.

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 INTERN WORK:

The housing intern will support the IRC in Utah's housing program, a leader in the nation of ensuring that refugees have a home to call their own as soon as they arrive in the U.S. New to the U.S housing system, IRC clients often struggle with housing-related problems such as cleaning, reporting maintenance needs, and navigating the U.S. rental system. The housing intern will visit clients within their first month in their new home and check on their housing status. This role will work closely with the Housing Coordinator to expand our current housing access curriculum. In this role, interns get a substantial amount of one-on-one interaction with clients from around the world.

MINIMUM COMMITMENT:

10 – 20 hours per week for 10-12 weeks

START DATE:

January 12, 2027 (final start date to be confirmed)

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct post-move-in home visits with clients to ensure successful housing setup and adjustment.
• Assist clients with setting up utilities, completing change of address forms, and other move-in logistics.
• Educate clients on their lease terms, rent payment process, maintenance requests, and basic tenant rights in the U.S.
• Assist with housing relocations, including pick-up and delivery of clients’ belongings
• Assist eligible clients with applications for the HEAT program’s utility payment support, monitoring their outcomes and following up as needed
• Maintain accurate documentation and case notes from all housing visits and client interactions.
• Collaborate with the Housing and Case Management teams to address housing-related needs and concerns.
• Assist in donation collection and distribution of household items to clients.
• Assist in other duties as needed, including outreach, apartment searches, donations, deliveries, front desk support, and other staff and intern roles at the SLC office.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Gain a deeper understanding of the affordable housing landscape in Salt Lake County and barriers to accessing affordable housing.

• Gain practical knowledge of tenant rights and responsibilities in the U.S., including lease agreements, rent payments, and maintenance procedures.

• Gain experience in refugee resettlement logistics, including understanding requirements for refugee housing setups and community inputs required to accomplish setups.

• Develop case management and client engagement skills by conducting home visits and communicating effectively with clients from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

• Enhance problem-solving and cross-cultural communication skills through hands-on support of clients navigating housing-related challenges.

• Build professional experience in data entry and documentation, ensuring accurate and timely case records within a nonprofit and resettlement context.

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 an additional foreign language preferred but not required.
• Previous experience in education, social services, housing or cross-cultural work (preferred but not 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, with a positive attitude and willingness to take on a variety of tasks.
• 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.
• Complete IRC background check & all related orientations/trainings.

IRC leading the way from harm to home.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at volunteerSLC@rescue.org to request any needed accommodation.

Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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Equal Opportunity Employer: 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, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.