Opportunities From: Spark

Background:

The Family Stabilization Program (FSP) is comprised of mental health professionals who provide personalized, holistic, one-on-one support services for clients experiencing safety and stability issues in multiple areas of their lives. We empower clients with the skills needed to navigate systems, overcome barriers, and manage the difficult moments in their lives.

Scope of Work:

 

The FSP volunteer will have the opportunity to work with our most vulnerable refugees from diverse backgrounds and will learn to use trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches to support clients in resource navigation and transportation efforts. Volunteers can expect to work with 1-2 families at a time depending on availability and number of hours.

Volunteer Benefits:

1. Volunteer will gain a working knowledge of how resettlement programs at the IRC support clients to achieve mental and physical wellbeing.

2. Volunteer will gain a working knowledge of how to practice trauma informed care and de-escalation techniques.

3. Volunteer will gain work experience in a professional setting.

Responsibilities:

Provide transportation to and from appointments when necessary Communicate regularly with the client’s Family Stabilization Specialist to coordinate client needs Provide coaching on systems clients often navigate (ie. Doctor appointments, medical insurance and bills, Transportation systems- riding public transportation, requirements for Driver’s License, how to resolve traffic violations, and legal systems as needed)

Additional Requirements:

Other skills: Patient, organized, independent, and uses creative problem solving Ability to remain calm and utilize de-escalation techniques while navigating difficult situations Social work or counseling background Experience working with diverse populations Comfort driving clients and their families including small children

Email ircdenver.volunteer@rescue.org to apply for this opportunity. 

Once we know a family or individual will be served by our office we work to secure their housing and ensure that their home is set up and ready to welcome them upon their arrival. We rely on volunteers and various community groups to help with housing set-ups.    Volunteers will help set up a home for a newly-arriving refugee family or individual. Volunteers will be added to an on-call list and receive 1-3 emails per week. Volunteers respond to the opportunities that work best for their schedule.

Location: Varies throughout the Denver/Aurora-metro area. 

Time Commitment: 

On-call/as needed. (volunteers choose only the opportunities that fit with their schedules) Housing set-ups typically take place Monday-Friday during normal business hours.  Due to the nature of the housing market and short notice we receive before families arrive, it is often difficult to schedule housing set-ups more than a few days in advance.  Last-minute emails requesting volunteers is the norm. A typical housing set-up takes approximately 2-4 hours.

Duties:

Moving furniture, and other household items into an apartment or house Putting together furniture (IKEA bed frames, for example) Washing and putting dishes away Setting up other household items so they are ready to go upon client arrival

This position can be done as a one-day volunteer opportunity and does not require individuals to go through our full onboarding list. E-mail IRCDenver.Volunteer@Rescue.org to get involved. 

Support one-on-one as a mentor and help ease a refugee family or individual’s transition into their new community. Mentors will focus on a refugee’s English acquisition, socialization of American culture, and integration into the local community. Based on each client’s needs and relationship, mentors and mentees can cook together, schedule follow-up medical appointments, visit local attractions, parks, farmer’s markets, the library and museums. Mentors may also support in opening bank accounts, learning where to pay bills, navigating transportation, and more. Mentors and mentees will establish boundaries and expectations in an initial meeting with an IRC staff member and interpreter in order to better understand needs.

Location: Off-site in the Denver Metro, Aurora, or Northglenn area (exact location disclosed to volunteer).  

Time Commitment:  This position connects you to one family or individual client for six-months. We request 2-4 hours per week, depending on client’s needs.   

Skills & Qualifications: 

The Mentor must have a strong desire to work with diverse populations and demonstrate patience with English language learners. They may need access to a vehicle. Mentors should be willing to help teach clients to utilize public transportation, access different community resources and facilitate other activities geared towards achieving self-sufficiency. If you have a language skill and/or community connection of a different client population, please reach out. We encourage those who speak Dari, Farsi, or Pashto or come from the Afghan community to support at this time.   

Please note that volunteers must undergo a background check for which we ask a donation of $49.  All staff and volunteers at the IRC must be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus and agree to wear a mask when interacting with clients. 

The first step to becoming an IRC Volunteer is to attend a Virtual Information Presentation.  Sign up here to attend one of our sessions:  https://signup.com/go/abGtOjx

The intern will work directly with the Volunteer Intern Programs Coordinator to coordinate and oversee the IRC in Denver’s volunteer and intern programs. The intern will help with the recruitment and onboarding of new volunteers/intern and facilitate trainings and ongoing learning opportunities for volunteers and interns. They will work with direct services staff to identify and fill volunteer and intern needs. The intern will also help with community outreach and support of volunteer and interns.

Time Commitment: 12 hours per week (3 month minimum; 3+ months preferred)

Duties:
• Process incoming volunteer/intern applications, conduct phone interviews and process onboarding
paperwork
• Work with IRC staff to identify volunteer/intern needs
• Develop materials for staff to help them train and manage volunteers
• Assist in representing IRC Denver at recruiter events
• Provide support for volunteers and interns
• Help to manage community contacts and partnerships, days of services and volunteer events
• Coordinate and teach new volunteer/intern information sessions

Preferred Skills:
• Experience with community outreach and engagement
• Public speaking experience and/or previous experience running trainings
• Database management skills

Required Skills:
• Ability to work independently and proactively
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Comfort speaking and presenting to large groups
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Ability to effectively work with diverse stakeholders (volunteers, clients, staff, community partners)

Learning Objective:
The Community Engagement Volunteer Program Intern will have the opportunity to learn about the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and how services are delivered to refugees in Colorado. They will see first hand how volunteers, interns and other community members are vital to the resettlement process and to achieving the goals of resettlement. This intern will gain knowledge about managing a large volunteer and
intern program, including recruitment, training and ongoing support.

Apply here: https://rescue.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home?c=rescue&sq=internship&lq=Denver, CO, USA&pl=ChIJzxcfI6qAa4cR1jaKJ_j0jhE

The IRC in Denver’s Family Mentor program helps to provide additional support to newly-arrived families and individuals by pairing them with a volunteer mentor. The Family Mentor intern will oversee this program and ensure that all clients have access to a Family Mentor and will serve as
a liaison between direct service staff and volunteer mentors.

Time Commitment: 10 hours per week (3 month minimum; 6+ months preferred)

Duties:
• Ensure all IRC in Denver clients are aware of the Family Mentor program
• Help match volunteer mentors with clients
• Arrange and participate in the first meeting between client(s) and mentor
• Provide support to mentors and answer any questions they have about working with client(s)
• Oversee Family Mentor Newsletter and ensure volunteers receive regular updates and resources from the IRC team
• Liaise between direct service staff and mentors when questions or issues arise
• Ensure accurate time logs are completed by volunteer mentors on a monthly basis
• Assist other direct-service staff as needed and as free time allows
• Provide regular reports to direct service staff on status of program and mentor-client matches

Required Skills:
• Comfort working with diverse populations and English language learners
• Ability to address volunteer needs and provide support and guidance
• Willingness to travel to the field to conduct first meetings between families and volunteer mentors
• Must be proactive with a strong desire to support clients’ well-being through mentorship program

Learning Objectives:
The Family Mentor intern will learn first-hand about the services provided to newly-arrived refugees and will
gain experience running and overseeing a volunteer program that works to advance the goals of resettlement
through one-on-one mentor opportunities.

Apply: https://rescue.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/31691?c=rescue

The Family Stabilization (FSS) intern will help to provide targeted services and assistance to newly-arrived refugee individuals and families while helping to promote social-emotional development and self-sufficiency. Focus areas include severe mental health, domestic violence, child abuse, substance abuse, elder abuse, sexual assault, and suicide ideation.

Duties:
•Provide psycho-education and social-emotional support to clients
•Work with clients on goal setting and follow-through
•Assist and educate refugees in accessing community resources and support programs
•Refer clients to the appropriate services providers and coordinate care as needed
•Develop and maintain partnerships with services providers to ensure clients have access to culturally and
linguistically appropriate service
•Provide transportation to and from appointments when necessary
•Provide case management services including safety planning, service plans and referrals
•Practice a trauma-informed approach
•Provide educational resources and trainings to community partners including schools and health facilities
•Conduct initial and ongoing assessments with clients
•Ensure accurate case notes are maintained

Preferred Skills:
•Patient, organized, independent and able to navigate a crisis situation with supervision support
•Social work or counseling background
•Experience working with diverse populations

Learning Objectives:
The FSS intern will have the opportunity to work with refugees from diverse backgrounds and will learn to use trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches to ensure clients in crisis receive the necessary support and services. The FSS intern will gain a working knowledge of how resettlement programs at the IRC support clients to achieve mental and physical wellbeing.

 Required Skills:
•Must be enrolled in a graduate program in social work or counseling
•Second year student or advanced standing
•Comfortable with a high level of client interaction
•Intern must be comfortable taking on their own cases and maintaining professionalism and confidentiality
•Must be able to transport clients in a reliable vehicle

Apply: https://rescue.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/38423?c=rescue

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 holistic services to  support survivors and their families in their rehabilitation. Services include in-house case management, psychosocial support and legal services, as well as medical and mental health services provided by referral to community partners. 

Duties: 
• Assist Clinical Case Manager (CCM) 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 CCM as needed  
• Support CCM in providing capacity-building training to interpreters and community partners  • Other duties as required  

Required Skills: 
• 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  
• Be flexible and responsive to the changing needs of clients and the changing dynamics of the current  socio-political system  

Learning Objectives:  
The Clinical 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.  

Supervision: 
Due to the sensitive context of the program, supervision is mandatory and will be provided at minimum bi–weekly. Supervision will be provided by the Clinical Case Manager with consultation with the Clinical Care Coordinator as needed. Candidates are strongly encouraged to develop a personal self-care plan to be discussed in supervision. 

Apply: https://rescue.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/31825?c=rescue

 

Psychosocial Support Program Interns support holistic and integrated health and wellbeing of IRC clients through the development, modification and assessment of supportive programs. These programs aim to address client needs across a wide spectrum including, but not limited to, acculturation and adjustment, isolation, community relations development and mental / physical wellness. Interns will work directly with the Psychosocial Support Specialist and Wellness Promoter to participate in the coordination of programming, facilitate groups, manage garden and relevant programming facilitated in the garden, assess interpreter needs and develop relevant trainings and supportive programs, build relationships with clients and assess their needs to inform program development, and encourage refugee wellness, empowerment, and resilience.

Time Commitment: 8-10 hours per week, weekend and evening hours as needed (6 month minimum; 6+ months preferred)

Duties:
• Conceptualize and facilitate groups
• Conduct needs assessments to develop or modify programs to ensure that they are consistently meeting the ever-evolving needs of clients
• Maintain relationships with clients, community organizations and host communities in order to facilitate integration
• Management of community garden and relevant programming facilitated in the garden • Assess interpreter needs, develop and facilitate relevant trainings
• Build professional relationships with clients in a culturally sensitive and trauma informed method • Administer and collect wellness data with multiple measurement tools

Preferred Skills:
• Experience with measurement tools including: RHS-15, Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Social Provisions Scale
• Proficiency in Arabic, Swahili or other critical languages a plus

Required Skills:
• Familiarity and interest in working with refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, survivors of torture, migrants and immigrant communities
• Demonstrable inter-relational skills in order to establish and maintain community partnerships across the Denver metro areas with agencies who provide supportive services for IRC clients. These community partnerships include but are not limited to: Cooking Matters, Denver Public Schools, the YMCA and Yoga for the People.
• Ability to work within a team to provide holistic and integrated services to clients
• Possess leadership and self-motivation skills and be able to work independently
• Have an interest in program development and be willing to develop and modify existing curricula as determined by the evolving needs of IRC clients
• Be organized and detail oriented
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Microsoft Excel and Outlook 365
• Be flexible and responsive to the changing needs of clients and the changing dynamics of the current socio-political system

Learning Objective:
The Psychosocial Support Intern will gain U.S. field and office experience interacting with and assisting asylum, refugees and immigrants resettled in the US. They will administer and collect data using a variety of measurement tools including: RHS-15, Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Social Provisions Scale (training provided but experience preferred). They will also become familiar with the multidimensional areas of Health and Wellness programming offered by the IRC and in conjunction with community partners. The intern will gain experience developing and modifying programs, learn to conduct regular needs assessments, and learn to integrate evidence into program development.

Apply: https://rescue.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/31823?c=rescue

The Health Education Intern will focus on teaching health topics to refugee, SIV and Asylee clients. This may be in the form of home-visits or in group classes. The health education intern will also help in researching health education materials and/or creating new materials that support clients with varying educational backgrounds about how to access health services and how to keep themselves and their families healthy.

Time Commitment: 8-10 hours per week (3-month minimum; 6+ months preferred)

Duties: 
• Provide remote learning on a variety of topics to newly arrived families. Topics include: how to make  appointments, primary/urgent/emergency care, Medicaid, and a number of health services such as  dental and immunizations. 
• Teach clients how to take public transportation to their PCP clinic. *This is currently paused due to  covid. 
• Provide maternal/child health remote learning class to clients who are expecting 

Preferred Skills:  
• Preference given to applicants able to make multi-semester a commitment 
• Background in teaching a plus  
• Ability to speak another language a plus 

Required Skills: 
• Pursuing degree in health sciences, public health, 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 

Learning Objective:  
The Health Education Intern will gain experience in delivering health information to newly arrived refugee families. The intern will learn about barriers that affect access to health care for refugee populations and health issues. They will become confident in addressing these barriers by creating a simple curriculum to teach families about topics relevant to their health. The health education intern will learn about Medicaid in Colorado. The health education intern will work closely with the rest of the health team to assist clients with extensive health needs. 

 Apply: https://rescue.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/31822?c=rescue

The Health Services Intern works in close coordination with the Health Program Coordinator, Health Aide, refugee clients, and local healthcare providers to coordinate and advocate for the healthcare and preventative health needs of refugee, SIV and asylee clients of the International Rescue Committee. Upon arrival to the United States, they face a new set of challenges to effectively navigate the US healthcare system and access important community health resources. Interns will gain experience networking with healthcare providers, coordinating client appointments, providing medical case management services, and working with multicultural individuals.

Time Commitment: 10+ hours per week (3 month minimum; 6+ months preferred)

Duties: 
• Help coordinate connections to primary care  
• Serve as patient advocate, accompany clients to medical appointments, report follow-up and referrals  from providers, and record all activity as directed 
• Provide training to clients regarding making appointments, pharmacy services, and understanding how  to access prescription and over-the-counter medications. 
• Assist with referrals to specialist care when needed  
• Assistance with administrative tasks such as case filing, making phone calls, and data entry relevant to  health services provided  
• Work closely with the Health Program Coordinator to build relationships with local health care actors to  increase the availability of health resources for clients  
• Assist clients to find health resources which best meet their needs, including implementing action plans  tailored specifically to the health needs of individual clients with medical barriers  
• Reinforce clients’ understanding of treatment instructions, medical service plans, and follow-up care • Provide in-home health education sessions to newly arrived refugee families 

Preferred Skills:  
• Preference given to applicants able to make multi-semester a commitment 
• Ability to speak another language a plus 
Required Skills: 
• Strong intercultural communication skills; demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from other  cultural backgrounds 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail 
• Ability to prioritize competing demands 
• Understanding and ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding client information 
• Willingness to use the bus system to train clients on how to navigate to and from appointments  • Ability to speak on the phone professionally with community providers  
• Driver’s license, personal vehicle, auto insurance, and clean driving record required  • Working knowledge of Excel

Learning Objectives: 
The Health Services Intern will gain knowledge about Medicaid eligibility and benefits in Colorado, skills in  creating partnerships with health actors in the community, and medical coordination/case management  experience. The intern will also learn how refugee health works in Colorado, including appropriate reporting  procedures. The intern will have the opportunity to work with refugee clients one-on-one and will learn how to  effectively deliver health education to refugee families.

Apply: https://rescue.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/31821?c=rescue

The IRC’s economic empowerment programs support refugees and low-income immigrants as they  rebuild their lives in the U.S. The IRC’s programs are built to help newcomers understand the U.S.  financial system—including banking and credit—and to achieve self-sufficiency. The financial  wellbeing intern will help clients achieve basic financial stability, and will help clients learn to grow  their income and assets. The intern will provide both administrative and direct service support. 

Time Commitment: 10-15 hours per week (3 month minimum; 3+ months preferred)  

Duties: 
• Work directly with the financial capability coordinator under the economic empowerment team to  provide financial literacy resources to clients one-on-one and in a group setting 
• Help develop the financial literacy curriculum by researching new topics as needed 
 • Administrative support and data entry through IRC’s Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) and Salesforce  platforms  
• Outreach to clients to educate them about financial literacy program and loan products; help  coordinate client appointments 
• Become familiar with IRC’s loan products through the IRC’s Center for Economic Opportunity (CEO)  including credit building, auto, education and training, work support and immigration 

Required Skills: 
• Familiarity with the U.S. banking system and credit scoring system  
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail 
• Ability to prioritize competing demands 
• Understanding and ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding client information
• Ability to explain and simplify complex information and systems for diverse populations and English  langue learners  
• A strong interest in the economic empowerment of refugee and immigrant communities 

Learning Objectives:  
• Learn about the financial barriers newcomers face when rebuilding their lives in our communities  
• Gain an in-depth understanding of the resources available to newcomers to help them become self sufficient and achieve their economic goals 
• Learn to create and implement a curriculum for refugee and immigrant clients 
• Build an understanding of services available to newcomers to work towards self-sufficiency

Apply: https://rescue.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/31819?c=rescue

The Employment Case Management Intern will support job placement efforts at the IRC in Denver. This  opportunity allows interns to work closely with refugee clients and assist them as they find employment and  enter the U.S. workforce. 

Time Commitment: 10-15 hours per week (3 month minimum; 6+ months preferred) 

Duties:  
• Assist clients with all aspects of job search, including resumes, applications, interview preparation,  bringing clients to interviews, transportation orientation, new hire paperwork, and post-placement follow up.  
• Specific projects could include: career services and job upgrades, youth employment, industry-specific  employer outreach, data analysis 
• Communicate with speakers with limited English proficiency using simplified English or working with  interpreters as needed.  
• Interns must be willing to provide transportation to clients. 

Preferred Skills:  
Proficiency in another language desirable but not required. 

Required Skills: 
• Ability to communicate with speakers with limited English proficiency. 
• Openness to working with people from varied backgrounds. 
• Basic understanding of US job search processes and work culture. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office. 
• Must be able to transport clients in a reliable vehicle. 

Learning objective:  
The Employment Case Management Interns will learn about the challenges faced by refugees in the US and  explore ways to help them overcome barriers. They will gain skills in engaging with community members  regarding refugee populations, and learn how the resettlement process works. 

Apply: https://rescue.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/31818?c=rescue

The English Education Intern will play a vital role in helping clients access English language  resources in their new community. The intern will work closely with the Supplemental Skills Trainer to understand the needs of clients and how to best support them as they learn English. 

Time Commitment: 8-10 hours per week (3 month minimum; 6+ months preferred)

Duties: 
• Assist newly-arrived refugees to enroll in ESL program throughout the community  • Check-in with clients who have low ESL class attendance and help problem-solve to address the barriers  to better attendance  
• Pair volunteer ESL tutors with clients and facilitate their first meeting  
• Support volunteer ESL tutors as training needs and questions arise  
• Help develop ESL material for clients wanting to learn on their own 
• Partner with current contracted ESL providers and identify additional resources available to clients in their  neighborhoods 

Preferred Skills:  
• Foreign language proficiency 
• Teaching experience  

Required Skills: 
• Reliable vehicle to provide transportation or willingness to take and teach clients to take public  transportation

Apply: https://rescue.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/31815?c=rescue

The Youth School Family Liaison will work directly with the case management team to help  oversee and coordinate school enrollments for newly arrived families. The intern will also help to  build partnerships with school districts and support families as they learn about the U.S. education  system and how to best access the support they need for their children to be successful.  

Time Commitment: 10 hours per week (3 month minimum; 6+ months preferred)

Duties:

• Identify the appropriate school district and school for each refugee youth eligible to be enrolled in school • Arrange for the enrollment with families while adhering to the process required by each district (i.e. online, in person, etc.)
• Manage contacts at various school districts
• Manage any special concerns for clients and ensure school districts are aware of special circumstances or special needs
• Provide updates and raise any concerns during the enrollment process
• Maintain accurate documentation regarding school enrollments and support case management team to case note enrollments

Required Skills:  

• Strong communication skills 
• Comfort taking clients to and from enrollment appointments  
• Driver’s license, personal vehicle, auto insurance, and clean driving record required  

Preferred Skills:  
• Familiarity with the U.S. education system and/or Colorado public schools  

Learning Objective:  
The intern will gain insight into the U.S. refugee resettlement program and how services are coordinated in  Colorado. They will gain hands-on experience working with newly-arrived refugee families and will help families learn about the U.S. education system. The intern will learn to effectively advocate for clients. 

Apply: https://rescue.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/31692?c=rescue