Internship – Refugee Health Education and Outreach

APPROPRIATE EXPERIENCE OR ACADEMIC BACKGROUNDS: Gerontology, social work, critical languages, immigration studies /law, public health, peace and conflict studies, state and local government, public policy, international relations, law enforcement/ community policing, health and human services, sociology

BENEFITS AND GOALS:
Through one-on-one client interaction, learn about acculturation challenges and opportunities experienced after U.S. arrival by refugees and other immigrants over 60 years of age

Learn about holistic case management

Hands-on participation in helping senior achieve self-sufficiency and eventual citizenship

Experience how government social services impact the lives of new arrivals

DUTIES: In cooperation with and as directed by MRS staff,

Orient, transport, and accompany clients to social service appointments and social events

Provide special services and in-home support to disabled and aging refugees as neede

Help with intake and documentation of new clients

Assist clients with job application forms, answering hiring questionnaires, preparing resumes and cover letter.

Assess client needs and aptitudes; register clients for ESL classes and job training

Identify and develop job opportunities for MRS clients through outreach to employer.

Assist with the development of socialization skills and increasing comfort level with U.S. culture

Other duties as directed by staff supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS:
Class standing – Rising Junior through graduate

Working knowledge of at least one critical foreign language preferred (Dari, Farsi, Arabic, Spanish, Pashto, or Kurdish)

Open to other cultures and beliefs

Good interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills

Flexible and adaptable regarding change in routines and duties

TIME COMMITMENT:
4-6 hours daily on weekdays, three or more days per week (or equivalent)

EXPECTATIONS:
Be reliable and on time; have a reliable means of transportation to our office (car or public transport)

Minimal driving aptitude test may be required

Preferred, but not required: driver’s license with a clean record, at least two years driving experience, and a knowledge of the northern Virginia area; must be 21 or over to drive agency vehicles

Act in a professional and ethical manner in all interactions with agency staff and clients