The International Rescue Committee provides opportunities for refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, survivors of torture, and other immigrants to thrive in America. Each year, thousands of people, forced to flee violence and persecution, are welcomed by the people of the United States into the safety and freedom of America. These individuals have survived against incredible odds. The IRC works with government bodies, civil society actors, and local volunteers to help them translate their past experiences into assets that are valuable to their new communities. In Seattle and other offices across the country, the IRC helps them to rebuild their lives. IRC is seeking an MSW intern to support our Survivors of Torture (SOT) program, which provides therapeutic case management services to refugees, asylum-seekers, and other immigrant communities who have experienced torture. The MSW intern will work closely with the SOT team at IRC to conduct eligibility screening interviews, manage a small caseload of SOT clients, and provide brief emotional support and referrals to external mental health and community resources.

· Provide case management services to a small caseload of SOT clients. Advocate for clients’ needs by learning about programs and services at IRC and externally, and refer clients to relevant programs, to ensure that SOT clients can access appropriate and culturally relevant services.
· Provide brief counseling and emotional support, crisis intervention, and referral to higher level of care as needed to SOT clients on caseload.
· Conduct eligibility interviews with clients referred to SOT program.
· Engage with clients in a way that is collaborative, strengths-based, and trauma-informed, and that recognizes the knowledge and resilience of IRC clients.
· Document program activities through case notes and data entry

· Research best practices in facilitating groups with forcibly displaced populations and those who have experienced trauma due to forced displacement, to inform design of future psychosocial support groups for SOT clients.
· Develop qualitative research design (e.g. semi-structured interview) to seek client feedback on psychosocial support groups to improve future program design.
· Attend monthly and quarterly meetings with SOT program providers and partners, along with IRC policy-update sessions, to learn about relevant policies affecting the communities that IRC serves. Discuss with supervisor and team ways to advocate for improved services for clients.

· Attend regular statewide briefings and working groups related to health and mental health of refugees and immigrants, hosted by the Office of Refugee & Immigrant Assistance (ORIA). Learn about new policies affecting IRC clients and discuss during supervision.
· Attend training opportunities to build cultural competency skills and learn more about the cultural backgrounds of IRC clients.
· Attend and engage in all team meetings, staff meetings, and other relevant meetings and participate fully as a member of the IRC team.
· Other duties, as required.

This is an unpaid position, though candidates who self-identify as a member of an underrepresented or marginalized group and fulfill their internship from August through October 2024 can apply for a $3500 stipend for educational expenses.

Mileage reimbursement may be available for commuting to destinations outside of the IRC Seattle office or other regular meeting locations.

· Current MSW student – first year student preferred as this is a non-clinical role.
· Lived experience as a refugee or immigrant is preferred.
· In lieu of lived experience, prior experience working with refugees and/or community organizing, preferably with communities who have been traditionally marginalized, oppressed, or faced barriers to opportunity and support and related to health or mental health.
· Excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties and manage time effectively.
· Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
· Ability to work independently and as a team member in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment.
· Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively across lines of difference with respect to race, gender, ethnicity, language, religion and age.
· Ability to follow strict guidelines of client confidentiality and safeguarding.
· Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and familiarity with data-tracking systems.
· Valid driver’s license, access to reliable vehicle with current insurance.
· Commitment to anti-racism and ongoing learning.

· Professional proficiency in English and one or more of the following languages preferred (though not required): Spanish, French, Amharic, Tigrinya, Somali, Arabic, Fulani, Mandinka, Lingala, Ukrainian, Dari, Pashto.

Please email aaron.nilson@rescue.org with your resume and cover letter. Include in subject line the position you are applying for (i.e. "WARN Anti Trafficking Internship").