Fall Health and Medical Advocacy Intern

  • Organization: IRC - International Rescue Committee
  • Location:
  • Grade: Internship - Internship
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Public Health and Health Service
    • Legal - Broad
    • Political Affairs
    • Medical Practitioners
    • Communication and Public Information
  • Closing Date:

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 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 you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

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 is an unpaid position in person at our Tucson Arizona office for the Fall 2025 Semester. We will start engaging with qualified candidates in June. 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 necessaryServe 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 ManagerProvide training to clients regarding pharmacy services and understanding how to access prescription and over-the-counter medicationsAssist clients to become self-sufficient in accessing transportation to medical appointments by providing trainings and assisting with applications to special transportation services as neededWork closely with the Health Program Manager to assist clients in finding health resources that best meet their needsReinforce clients’ understanding of treatment instructions and referral and specialist follow up careOther activities as assignedREQUIREMENTS:Pursuing degree in health sciences or social work or possessing equivalent experienceStrong intercultural communication skills; demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from other cultural backgroundsStrong organizational skills and attention to detailUnderstanding and ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding client informationDriver’s license, personal vehicle, auto insurance, and clean driving record; willingness to transport clients in personal vehicle when COVID-19 safety protocols are liftedTechnology 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 deviceConfigurations 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:

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.

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US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles. 

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.
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