Public Benefits & Healthcare Navigation Intern

LOCATION:New York, NY
START DATE: 6/2/25
DURATION: 8/15/25
POSITION REPORTS TO: Healthcare & Benefits Navigators
DETAILS: Hybrid work schedule ONLY

SCOPE OF WORK:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC), works in the United States welcomes newly arrived refugees and immigrants, supports them in their resettlement, and provides holistic services to help them build new lives in their communities. As an introduction to the position, this brief, but concise overview of the role should give the reader an understanding of the important components of the job and how it fits into the mission of the program and IRC.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In coordination with Healthcare Benefit Navigators, support screening and enrollment activities for benefit programs such as Medicaid, NYC Care, SNAP, WIC, FairFares, Child Care Vouchers, IDNYC, etc.; accompanying clients to related public benefits appointments as needed for support
• Sort and review public benefits related mail; contacting clients to share relevant updates
• Assist in scheduling client medical and dental appointments as needed
• In collaboration with the Healthcare Benefits Navigators and other team members, develop relevant educational materials to support client access, knowledge and navigation of public benefits systems; delivery of workshops to clients as needed
• Collaborate with other Health & Wellness Department interns on the development/updating of a Community Resources
• Guide through desk review and outreach activities
• Keep thorough and accurate case file documentation in Program folders and related excel spreadsheets
• Keep all digital files up to date and create new digital client files as needed
• Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy.
• Display sensitivity to cultural and personality differences of clients. Respect their beliefs and values.
• Provide translation and interpretation when necessary.
• Other related duties as assigned.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Gain experience with the U.S refugee resettlement process and services available to clients specifically in/ around New York City.
• Gain experience in identifying clients' needs to appropriately coordinate medical care and connect them to necessary supportive services within the community.
• Gain experience with conducting public benefit/human services screenings and enrollment services; keeping thorough and accurate case file documentation of all direct services provided to clients.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Internsmust be based in US, must be a US citizen or have US work authorization, must be enrolled in post-secondary institution or have graduated from a post-secondary institution within last 2 years.
• Undergraduate level studies in social sciences, international relations or a related field.
• Languages desired but not required: Haitian Creole, Arabic, Spanish, French and Russian
• Strong desire to help refugees and other migrant communities rebuild their lives in New York.
• Ability to work independently, exercise good judgement, and have high attention to detail.
• Competency in Microsoft Office, data tracking, and file management
• Effective communication skills.
• Demonstrates ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Patience, understanding, flexibility, and an unceasingly positive attitude.
• Willing to learn about IRC history, philosophy, global work, and local efforts.
• Willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies.