Refugee Barrier Reduction Intern

About the role#

The Refugee Barrier Reduction Intern supports the International Rescue Committee’s economic empowerment program in Silver Spring, Maryland. This role focuses on helping humanitarian migrants navigate systems to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Interns gain practical experience in casework, workforce development, and cross-cultural communication while assisting clients with the integration process.

What you'll do#

• Assist clients in completing and submitting applications for essential services, such as childcare vouchers and communication tools.
• Conduct training sessions on topics including public transportation, childcare options, digital literacy, job readiness, and public benefits.
• Support clients during Job Application Hours to help them navigate the U.S. employment landscape.
• Coordinate with economic empowerment service teams to ensure consistent support throughout the client's service period.
• Facilitate client outings to financial institutions, libraries, and other venues to help them engage with necessary community resources.

What you'll need#

• A strong interest in refugee and asylee issues.
• Excellent communication and writing skills, including the ability to communicate effectively across cultures.
• Ability to work independently and maintain self-motivation.
• Flexibility to adapt to a changing environment.
• Proficiency in Spanish, Amharic, Dari, Pashto, Haitian-Creole, French, Kinyarwanda, or Swahili is considered an asset.
• Preferred background in Psychology, Human Resources, Sociology, Political Science, or International Relations.

Location & details#

• Location: Silver Spring, MD (On-site).
• Term: Fall 2026 (September – December).
• Commitment: Minimum of 24 hours per week.
• Orientation: Mandatory in-person orientation on September 7th, 2026.
• Compensation: This is an unpaid internship. Interns may be eligible for a per diem reimbursement of $15 per day for food and travel costs.