If you are a US-based student passionate about helping refugees and immigrants rebuild their lives, this internship with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in New York is deeply meaningful work. You will support newly arrived refugees and immigrants in accessing healthcare and public benefits, gaining hands-on experience in humanitarian resettlement and community services.
About the Organisation
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 NGOs, working in more than 40 countries and 29 US cities to help people survive, reclaim control of their future, and strengthen their communities.
In the United States, the IRC welcomes newly arrived refugees and immigrants, supports them in their resettlement, and provides holistic services to help them build new lives in their communities.
Responsibilities
🩺 In coordination with Healthcare Benefit Navigators, support screening and enrollment activities for benefit programs such as Medicaid, NYC Care, SNAP, WIC, FairFares, Child Care Vouchers, and IDNYC, accompanying clients to related public benefits appointments as needed
📬 Sort and review public benefits related mail, and contact clients to share relevant updates
📅 Assist in scheduling client medical and dental appointments as needed
📚 Collaborate with the team to develop educational materials that support client access to and navigation of public benefits systems, and deliver workshops to clients as needed
🗂️ Work with other Health and Wellness Department interns to develop and update a Community Resources Guide through desk review and outreach
📁 Keep thorough and accurate case file documentation in program folders and related Excel spreadsheets, and keep all digital files up to date
🔒 Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy
🤝 Display sensitivity to the cultural and personality differences of clients, respecting their beliefs and values
🗣️ Provide translation and interpretation when necessary, and other related duties as assigned
Learning Objectives
🌍 Gain experience with the US refugee resettlement process and services available to clients in and around New York City
🩺 Gain experience identifying clients' needs to coordinate medical care and connect them to supportive services in the community
📋 Gain experience conducting public benefit and human services screenings and enrollment, and keeping thorough case file documentation
Requirements
🇺🇸 Interns must be based in the US and must be enrolled in, or have graduated within the last 2 years from, a post-secondary institution
🎓 Undergraduate-level studies in social sciences, international relations, or a related field
🗣️ Languages desired but not required: Haitian Creole, Arabic, Spanish, French, and Russian
❤️ A strong desire to help refugees and other migrant communities rebuild their lives in New York
🔍 The ability to work independently, exercise good judgement, and maintain high attention to detail
💻 Competency in Microsoft Office, data tracking, and file management
🤝 Effective communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment
🌟 Patience, understanding, flexibility, and an unceasingly positive attitude
📚 A willingness to learn about IRC's history, philosophy, and work, and to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies
The Details
📍 Location: New York, NY, USA (hybrid)
🕒 Type: part-time, unpaid internship
🌍 Eligibility: interns must be based in the US
How to Apply
Apply through the IRC careers portal, quoting job requisition ID JR00003926.
Deadline
01 September 2026
Links
🔗 Vacancy and how to apply: https://theirc.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/External_Careers/job/New-York-NY-RAI-USA/Healthcare---Benefits-Navigation-Intern--Unpaid-_JR00003926
