Youth & Family School Engagement Intern– UNPAID

INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW: The Youth School Family Liaison Intern will support the Youth Services team, and collaborate with the case management team, in coordinating and increasing educational access for refugee families. They will help build partnerships with local school districts; this includes enrolling and registering newcomers, orientations and school navigation, supporting in after-school and extracurricular activities and facilitating summer school placements. There will also be potential to help develop and implement a junior Job Readiness Program (JJRT.) This position plays a key role in helping families navigate the U.S. education system and access resources critical to their children's success. 

SCHEDULE: 10 hours per week, 3 month minimum, 6+ mo. Preferred 
 
START DATE: January 7, 2026 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Identify the appropriate school district and school for each eligible refugee youth and provide enrollment and registration support for newcomers 

• Provide School Orientation, presenting information to students and families about the specific school they have enrolled in, class placements, school schedules, processes, etc 

• Support enrollment of eligible students in summer school programs 

• Provide School Navigation services, assisting youth and/or family members with understanding how to use school resources and systems (such as online platforms, administrative assistants, resource centers, IEP processes, etc.) to meet individual educational and wellbeing needs of the student and family as they arise. 

• Conduct outreach and engagement to increase caregiver participation in ECE sessions 

• Communicate special circumstances or needs to school personnel and advocate for accommodations 

• Provide regular updates to the Youth Services Supervisor and the client’s case worker and raise concerns as needed 

• Maintain accurate documentation and case notes on enrollment and educational engagement 

• Transport clients to appointments when necessary 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:  

Intern will gain knowledge and experience working within the U.S. resettlement process and education systems and gain practical experience in conducting youth assessment, assisting in program design and implementation processes. They will also become proficient in supporting school enrollment and educational access across age groups (0–18), learn strategies for engaging caregivers and building trust with families from diverse backgrounds, and build skills in cross-system collaboration with school districts, early childhood programs and across teams at the IRC. Intern will also strengthen advocacy skills for refugee students and their families in educational settings. 

REQUIREMENTS:  

• Remarkable interpersonal and communication skills 

• Strong organizational and time-management skills 

• Ability to work independently and in a culturally responsive manner 

• Valid driver’s license, personal vehicle, auto insurance, and clean driving record 

• Comfort transporting clients to and from appointments 

• Familiarity with the U.S. education system, especially Colorado public schools and Universal PK 

• Background in trauma-informed care 

• Experience working with refugee or immigrant communities 

• Multilingual abilities are a plus 

SUPERVISION: This position reports to the Youth Services Supervisor. 

TO APPLY:   

Interested applicants should submit an online application here. Qualified applicants will be selected for an initial phone screening starting in late October and continuing through mid-December or until all positions are filled. Spring intern orientation will be held January 7, 2026. 

QUESTIONS? Email ircdenver.volunteer@rescue.org