Client Benefits Intern (Summer 2025)

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