Client Benefits Intern (Fall 2026- UNPAID)

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 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 client’s public benefits 

• Contact clients for reminders about benefit’s 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 IRC’s 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 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.

Cookies: https://careers.rescue.org/us/en/cookiesettings

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In 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.

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Work that has meaning: Every day at the IRC is a chance to make a difference through a purpose-driven career. Whether you're working directly with communities or providing support behind the scenes, you will be part of a dynamic team that is always innovating, scaling, and testing new and better solutions to ensure the best possible outcomes for the people we serve.

Global scale, dynamic workplace: At the IRC, we believe that the dynamic, global make-up of our team is our strength. When you join us, you're not just starting a job—you will be part of a global organization positively impacting millions of lives in over 40 get to work with colleagues from all around the world—working across time zones and regularly exchanging different ideas, perspectives and insights. You’ll join a team that is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard.  

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Community centered: We’re an empathetic community that truly cares for one another. Our comprehensive safety and security initiatives ensure a safe work environment, while our continuous learning and development programs provide ongoing opportunities for personal and career advancement.

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The interview process typically includes three rounds, though the number may vary depending on the role and level of seniority. It usually begins with a conversation with our recruiting team to learn more about you and your goals. This is followed by an interview with a hiring manager or business stakeholder to explore your background and provide more insight into the role. The final round focuses on assessing your role-specific expertise and may be conducted as a panel interview to evaluate your cross-functional strengths. Before extending an offer, we generally conduct reference checks, and after an offer is made, a standard background check is completed. While we strive for consistency, the process may differ based on the role, business unit, location, job type, legal requirements, and other factors.

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