Summer Health and Medical Advocacy Intern

OVERVIEW:

Upon arrival to the United States and throughout their first few years, refugees and asylees face numerous hurdles to effectively navigate the US healthcare system and accessing important community health resources. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) works one-on-one with clients to meet each of their unique health needs. Health Advocate Interns play an important role in IRC's mission. The interns work in close coordination with IRC's Health Program Manager, IRC Health Team, and local healthcare providers to coordinate and advocate for the healthcare and preventative health needs of refugee/asylee clients. By arranging appointments, teaching basic preventative health measures, and networking with healthcare providers, the Health Advocate Interns gain valuable experience working with clients and interpreters of diverse cultural backgrounds, hone skills in case noting, gain an understanding of refugees’ acute and chronic health concerns, and develop expertise in navigating the US medical system and Arizona's Medicaid. 

Please note that this position is unpaid. 

In-person interns are preferred for this position, but some remote interns and/or hybrid in-person/remote interns may be accepted.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinate scheduling, interpretation, and transportation for all new arrivals to attend domestic medica screening appointments, establish care with a Primary Care Provider and follow up as necessary

• Serve as patient advocate, accompany clients to medical appointments, transport clients for lab work and other diagnostic testing, and report follow-up and referrals from providers 

• Record activities as directed and give timely reports to the Health Program Manager

• Provide training to clients regarding pharmacy services and understanding how to access prescription and over-the-counter medications

• Assist clients to become self-sufficient in accessing transportation to medical appointments by providing trainings and assisting with applications to special transportation services as needed

• Work closely with the Health Program Manager to assist clients in finding health resources that best meet their needs

• Reinforce clients’ understanding of treatment instructions and referral and specialist follow up care

• Other activities as assigned

REQUIREMENTS:

• Pursuing degree in health sciences or social work or possessing equivalent experience

• Strong intercultural communication skills; demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from other cultural backgrounds

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Understanding and ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding client information

• Driver’s license, personal vehicle, auto insurance, and clean driving record; willingness to transport clients in personal vehicle when COVID-19 safety protocols are lifted

• Technology requirements:

• Interns will be required to use their own technology tools to work on virtual opportunities. 

• IRC is not responsible for any personal device expenses such as personal smartphones, tablets, hotspots, data charges, etc.

• All personal devices must:

• Be kept current with all operating system updates and security patches, 

• Use a password or PIN with a minimum of 4 characters to log onto smartphones and tablets and 8 alpha and numeric characters for a Laptop. 

• Have lock screen set to 10 minutes or less with a password required to unlock the device

• Configurations must be set to delete all data or lock after 10 unsuccessful attempts to enter a password or PIN. Lockout period must be no less than 30 minutes.

• Additional policy details will be discussed during orientation and training.

CLEARANCES: 

All offers are contingent on successfully passing background and criminal history checks as required by federal and state law or by IRC policy.

COMMITMENT:

• SUMMER: 15-20hrs/wk for 3 months and able to commit to 3 full business days

• FALL/SPRING: Minimum 15hrs/wk for 4 months and able to commit to 2 full business days

• Primary availability during IRC business hours (M-F; 8:30am-5:00pm)

• Preference given to applicants able to make multi-term commitment

Reports To:Esmatullah Qurreshi, Afghan Health Program Coordinator