Client Benefits Intern (Fall 2026- UNPAID)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the worlds 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 worlds 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 youre 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 29 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 WORK: Like many of their neighbors in the community people who are new to the United States often need to access public benefits while they work towards self-sufficiency. The Client Benefits Intern will support the direct service teams (Employment Family Wellbeing) in ensuring that clients are able to access and maintain their public benefits especially SNAP TANF RCA and Medicaid. They will provide services through a strengths-based approach that supports clients in their resettlement journey.

Through this internship the Client Benefits Intern will gain insight into the resettlement process will gain experience with public policy in practice and will support our new neighbors at a critical point in their lives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Attend Volunteer/Intern Orientation

• Assist the Client Benefits Specialist in maintaining clients public benefits

• Liaise with local governments and Departments of Social Services in order to maintain clients public benefits

• Contact clients for reminders about benefits interviews renewals and other upcoming appointments

• Document and appropriately file Department of Social Services notices and communications

• Compile and edit local resource sheets and benefits manual for clients

• Advocate for clients needs with benefits program staff and local governments

• Document activities in case files and provide other administrative support as appropriate

• Record hours and submit completed timesheet for each month via the IRCs online Volunteer Dashboard

REQUIREMENTS:

• Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree
• Good written and verbal communications skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and able to engage clients in a counseling role

• Reliable responsible punctual and professional

• Flexible and able to work in a fast-paced dynamic environment

• Comfortable working in a global setting

• Preferred - Fluency in languages spoken by clients (Dari Pashto Arabic Kiswahili French etc.)

This position is unpaid and reports to the Client Benefits Specialist.

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 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.

Cookies: Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of the US these include: 10 sick days 10 US holidays 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure medical insurance starting at $163 per month dental starting at $6.50 per month and vision starting at $5 per month FSA for healthcare and commuter costs a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching disability & life insurance and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

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.