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.
NOTE ABOUT COMPENSATION:
Internships at the IRC are unpaid. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available. Reimbursement is available for mileage when using a personal vehicle. Eligible interns will also receive a nominal per diem reimbursement aligned with current intern reimbursement policies.
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 28 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 INTERN WORK:
The housing intern will support the IRC in Utah's housing program, a leader in the nation of ensuring that refugees have a home to call their own as soon as they arrive in the U.S. New to the U.S housing system, IRC clients often struggle with housing-related problems such as cleaning, reporting maintenance needs, and navigating the U.S. rental system. The housing intern will visit clients within their first month in their new home and check on their housing status. This role will work closely with the Housing Coordinator to expand our current housing access curriculum. In this role, interns get a substantial amount of one-on-one interaction with clients from around the world.
MINIMUM COMMITMENT:
10 – 20 hours per week for 10-12 weeks
START DATE:
January 12, 2027 (final start date to be confirmed)
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Conduct post-move-in home visits with clients to ensure successful housing setup and adjustment.
Assist clients with setting up utilities, completing change of address forms, and other move-in logistics.
Educate clients on their lease terms, rent payment process, maintenance requests, and basic tenant rights in the U.S.
Assist with housing relocations, including pick-up and delivery of clients’ belongings
Assist eligible clients with applications for the HEAT program’s utility payment support, monitoring their outcomes and following up as needed
Maintain accurate documentation and case notes from all housing visits and client interactions.
Collaborate with the Housing and Case Management teams to address housing-related needs and concerns.
Assist in donation collection and distribution of household items to clients.
Assist in other duties as needed, including outreach, apartment searches, donations, deliveries, front desk support, and other staff and intern roles at the SLC office.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Gain a deeper understanding of the affordable housing landscape in Salt Lake County and barriers to accessing affordable housing.
Gain practical knowledge of tenant rights and responsibilities in the U.S., including lease agreements, rent payments, and maintenance procedures.
Gain experience in refugee resettlement logistics, including understanding requirements for refugee housing setups and community inputs required to accomplish setups.
Develop case management and client engagement skills by conducting home visits and communicating effectively with clients from diverse…