Summer 2026: Asylum Seekers and Families Program Intern (Unpaid)

Company: International Rescue Committee
Location: San Diego
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

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. IRC BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading organization providing relief, protection, and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression throughout the U.S. IRC in San Diego has resettled over 31,000 refugees to San Diego County over the past 50 years and provides numerous program services. In San Diego, the IRC opened its doors in 1975 and has grown to serve approximately 7,000 refugee and immigrant individuals from 115 countries of origin each year through 5 different departments . SCOPE OF ASYLUM SEEKERS AND FAMILIES PROGRAM INTERN WORK: In this internship, students will have the opportunity to contribute to the Asylum Seekers and Families program through community engagement and outreach as well as by supporting case management. RESPONSIBILITIES: Based on intern skills and experience, responsibilities may include a combination of program support, administrative/data support, and direct service: Support case management for asylum seekers and families Drive and accompany clients to appointments such as health check-ups, legal consults , school enrollments, etc. Accompany clients on bus/metro trips to help them learn routes on the San Diego public transit system Conduct outreach, including development of materials and presentations Network for and develop community partnerships and collaborations Contribute to monitoring and evaluation of Safety & Wellness Department Conducting screening calls for potential clients, working with interpreters and determining eligibility for the program LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Interns will gain exposure to case management for Asylum Seekers Interns will learn about the Asylum process and services available for asylees Interns will expand their experience providing culturally humble services and resources Interns will gain familiarity in cross-cultural communication REQUIREMENTS: Education: Must be currently enrolled in an Associate’s, Bachelor’s or Master’s program focused on social work, women’s/gender studies, public health, business, communication, economics, finance, public policy, public administration, social sciences or a related field. Work Experience (Preferred): Prior experience in case work, working with clients with a variety of immigration statuses, familiarity with refugee and asylee populations helpful, but not . Demonstrated success working and communicating with people of varied English-speaking abilities strongly preferred. Demonstrated Skills and Competencies: Strong communication and interpersonal skills, desire to learn and contribute, excellent organization and time-management skills, proactive, motivated, and flexible; ability to take direction (written and oral) and to complete tasks independently Language Skills: Fluent in written and spoken English. Proficiency in Farsi, Dari, Spanish, Pashto, Arabic, Swahili or Russian preferred. Steady and regular availability is greatly preferred ; flexible shifts will not work well for this internship Certificates or Licenses: Current driver license and insurance . This position reports to the Casework Supervisor. Compensation : This is an unpaid internship opportunity. Working Environment: The Asylum Seekers and Families Internship is majority in-person, and remote as needed. San Diego Office hours are scheduled Monday-Friday, 8:30am- 4:30pm PST. Selected interns can choose their hours based on this window of availability . PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct . Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding , Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients. Cookies: https://careers.rescue.org/us/en/cookiesettings US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles. Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Keywords: International Rescue Committee, San Marcos , Summer 2026: Asylum Seekers and Families Program Intern (Unpaid), Administration, Clerical , San Diego, California