About the role#
The Program for Initial Resettlement Intern supports newly arrived refugee families as they navigate their first months in San Diego. This role involves direct client interaction, assisting caseworkers with administrative tasks, and helping families connect to essential community services. This is an unpaid, full-time internship for Fall 2026.
What you'll do#
- Drive and accompany clients to essential appointments, including the DMV, health check-ups, Social Security offices, and school enrollments.
- Assist Resettlement Caseworkers with airport pickups for newly arriving families.
- Help clients open bank accounts and manage financial transactions.
- Support clients with service enrollment, both in-person and remotely.
- Develop educational guides and learning materials to help clients navigate local systems like healthcare and food banks.
- Assist with apartment setups for arriving families, including shopping for necessary household items.
- Provide office support by preparing case files and maintaining supplies.
- Accompany clients on public transit to teach them how to navigate the local bus and metro systems.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in an undergraduate or master’s program in Education, International Relations, International Development, Social Work, or a related field.
- Fluency in English.
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including basic functions in Excel.
- A valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle with current insurance, as regular travel in the area is required.
- A strong interest in working with diverse, low-income populations.
- Ability to remain flexible and proactive in a professional environment.
Location & details#
- Location: San Diego, California.
- Modality: This is an on-site position based at the office.
- Schedule: Interns may choose their hours within the office window of Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm PST.
About International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee is a nonprofit organization that provides humanitarian aid to people affected by war and disaster. Founded in 1933, it operates in more than 50 countries and 28 cities across the United States. The organization focuses on areas such as refugee resettlement, health care, and emergency relief. It employs over 13,000 people to support its mission of assisting displaced populations.
How to get in at International Rescue Committee
Applying early gives you a distinct advantage at the International Rescue Committee because recruiters review applications as they arrive. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first before the pile grows. This helps you avoid the frustration of submitting your materials to a massive, stagnant queue. You can reach out directly to the recruiters behind the company's roles to ask about the position or a referral, which materially improves your response rates. Intern Insider surfaces these specific contacts, allowing you to bypass the standard portal and connect with the people actually hiring for the team.
