School Success Intern (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.

At the NYC Resettlement, Asylum, and Integration (RAI) office, the School Success Team helps newly arrived families navigate the NYC public school system. Families are initially guided through the enrollment process and then, if needed, are offered additional help throughout the course of the school year via our School Success Coaching Program. This program supports students and their families with problem solving for school-related issues, communication with teachers and school staff, mentorship and goal setting, and more. The School Success Intern would be a key player in both school enrollments and the School Success Coaching process, assisting IRC staff with administrative duties and working directly with families as well.

Under the guidance of the School Success Specialist, the School Success Intern will work on the following:

• Assisting with or facilitating elementary, middle, and/or high school enrollments for

newcomer families in schools both within the NYC DOE and surrounding areas (i.e., Long

Island, Yonkers, etc.).

• Administrative assistance with case management tasks, e.g., setting appointments, family outreach, facilitating paperwork processes, researching community resources (mental health, after school), etc.

• Translation, note-taking, and/or co-facilitation of weekly meetings with clients focused on

academic support, goal setting, and more

• Leading parent and/or student group activities at Saturday Community Events (based on

intern availability and team need)

• Accompanying School Success Specialist on visits to client homes, schools, or other

locations in the community

• Additional tasks as requested by the School Success Specialist

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Interns will gain experience in providing services directly to refugee/newcomer families.

2. Interns will learn about the inner workings of non-profit funding structures, including the

differences in various immigration statuses and documentations.

3. Interns will understand the rights of immigrant/newcomer students in the NYC DOE,

including but not limited to issues around enrollment, housing, and special education.

DURATION: 5-7 months

Competitive applications will represent most/all of the following:

• Bachelors degree (candidate or in-hand) in Education, Psychology, Social Work, or in a

related field;

• Fluency in written/verbal English AND another language required; strong preference given

to candidates who speak Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, Haitian Creole, Dari, Pashto,

and/or Arabic;

• 1-2 years of experience working with children and/or refugee communities preferred, not

required;

• Self-starter and team player;

• Competency with Microsoft Office applications (i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook);

• Willing to adhere to IRC intern and workplace policies

This position reports to the School Success Specialist.

Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.