Summer 2025 Unaccompanied Minor HSPRS Intern

BACKGROUND: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 28 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. The IRC in Tallahassee office was established in 2015 and has resettled over 1,500 refugees from 50 countries into Tallahassee, Florida.

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK: The Unaccompanied Children HSPRS Intern will assist the HSPRS Casework Supervisor with the provision of case management services to recently arrived unaccompanied children as they adjust to their new lives in the US. An unaccompanied child is defined as a minor under the age of eighteen who has arrived in the United States without lawful status and without the presence of a parent or legal guardian. While at the shelter, Unaccompanied Children may be requested to complete a Home Study (HS) along the potential sponsor in the United States to ensure the placement's safety before the child's release. After their release from the Office of Refugee Resettlement governed shelter into the care of the vetted sponsor, a child is recommended for Post Release Services (PRS) to ensure that they are successfully connected with the resources and services needed to promote their successful integration into their new communities. The intern will have the opportunity to play a key role in providing organizational support to the caseworker primarily in the North Florida or South Georgia area, by performing a variety of clerical and administrative duties, in addition to helping to build a strong network with community providers who can provide key services to clients. The hours for this position are flexible; however, the hours will primarily be between 9AM and 5PM on weekdays, with occasional weekend activities. Please note that all internship positions are unpaid.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist caseworkers with building and maintaining case files to ensure that all requirements for documentation are met consistently throughout the provision of Post Release Services.

• Assist caseworkers in building a strong network with local service providers who are available to provide needed services and resources with unaccompanied minors through research and outreach initiatives.

• Refer unaccompanied minors to resources and services, as well as schedule any appointments, as necessary and instructed by the casework staff.

• Research services and resources applicable to the UC program to facilitate the referral process.

• Possibly accompany clients alongside the caseworkers to certain appointments with their clients in the North Florida or South Georgia area, as appropriate given COVID-19 restrictions.

• Possibly accompany caseworkers to certain home visits made to their clients in the North Florida or South Georgia area.

• Ensure client success with a strong emphasis on education and empowerment through high quality service that encourages clients to thrive in their community.

• Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy.

• Practice sensitivity to cultural and personality differences of clients by respecting their beliefs and values.

• Perform reception duties such as greeting visitors to the office and connecting them to appropriate staff.

• Provide translation and interpretation when necessary.

• Other duties as assigned.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Intern will learn about the Unaccompanied Children HSPRS Program as well as various social services available to undocumented immigrants primarily in the North Florida or South Georgia area, and other locations across the Nation.

1. Intern will develop problem solving skills, client services skills, and intercultural social work skills.

1. Intern will learn how to manage client cases within established deadlines, to provide the best service possible to a vulnerable population.