Survivors of Torture Casework Intern– UNPAID

INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW: The IRC in Denver’s Survivors of Torture Project is facilitated under a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). This program provides direct services to survivors of torture (SOTs). The program delivers services to support survivors and their families in their rehabilitation. Services include in-house casework, psychosocial support and legal services, as well as medical and mental health services provided by referral to community partners. 

SCHEDULE: 10-15 hours per week (6 month minimum; 6+ months preferred) 
 
START DATE: January 7, 2026 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Assist SOT Caseworker (CW) in developing action plans for clients following determination meeting 

• Assist clients who are ineligible for SOT services get connected to other supportive services internally at IRC or in the Denver Metro Community 

• Provide psychoeducation to clients related to accessing mental health and physical health services and client rights related to treatment  

• Support clients in accessing navigation of transportation system to locations for needed community-based services  

• Work with clients to address personal and sociocultural barriers to accessing services  

• Follow up on referrals with client and providers to identify potential areas for escalated need  

• Engage in safety planning with assistance of CW as needed  

• Support CW in providing capacity building training to interpreters and community partners  

• Other duties as required 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:  

The SOT casework Intern will gain experience working with a diverse population managing complex experiences of trauma, particularly those navigating refugee, asylee or asylum-seeking status. The Intern will develop skills creating action plans, developing safety plans with the possibility of facilitating mental health assessments. Intern will learn and gain a deeper understanding of mental health and psychosocial support services in the Denver Metro area and contribute to developing new services as needs arise. The intern will also learn to facilitate and implement trauma informed practices and build capacity in community and organizational partners to follow suit. 

REQUIREMENTS:  

• Graduate student pursuing a degree in psychology, counseling, social work or related field 

• Comfort and ability to work with refugees and asylees who have experienced complex trauma related to war and violence, specifically torture 

• Demonstrated understanding of implementing trauma informed practices 

• Understand how to critically examine and implement relevant evidence-based practices 

• Demonstrated commitment to client confidentiality and management of sensitive personal and legal information 

• Demonstrated ability and commitment to working cross culturally with English language learners and diverse populations 

• Ability to manage time effectively and work independently as needed 

• Ability to work within a team to provide holistic and integrated services to clients 

• Strong computer proficiency, including MS Office, internet applications and databases 

• Flexible and responsive to the changing needs of clients and the changing dynamics of the current socio-political system 

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 

This is an unpaid internship position. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available. 

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 or disability.