Occupational Therapy Life Skills Trainer Intern

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.

NOTE ABOUT COMPENSATION: Internships at the IRC are unpaid. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available. Reimbursement is available for mileage when using a personal vehicle. Eligible interns will also receive a nominal per diem reimbursement aligned with current intern reimbursement policies.

BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading, non-sectarian, non-profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. Domestically, our 28 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK: The Occupational Therapy (OT) program focuses on life skills training as a supportive supplementary intervention that works alongside IRC UT’s various case management program. Under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist, the inter will support a wide range of areas for self-sufficiency and access to community resources for refugee and immigrant families. Through the program, the intern will work with individuals to build the skills and alternative approaches to everyday tasks, including managing personal finance (budgeting, paying bills, banking), navigating public transit, medication management, development safe routines in-home, and confidently accessing resources (scheduling appointments, etc.). Specialized support may also include job readiness and Pre-Driving training. Intern will report to: Yda Smith, PhD, OTR/L.

MINIMUM COMMITMENT: 10 – 20 hours per week for 10-12 weeks

START DATE: January 12, 2027 (final start date to be confirmed)

THE PROFESSION OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY: The fundamental core of OT is to support clients’ abilities to participate in the everyday activities that they need and want to do. OTs have, at a minimum, a master’s degree, and OT Assistants have a community college or bachelor’s degree. Most often, they work in a healthcare environment with people of any age who are dealing with physical, cognitive, or mental health issues. OT education includes knowledge of many health conditions across the life span. Breaking down tasks into simpler and smaller components and therapeutic-use-of-self are skills practiced. In many settings, there are OT aides who do not have a degree in OT but who provide assistance to clients under the direction of the staff OT. The intern position at IRC is similar to the OT Aide position in other settings and provides an opportunity to learn about the OT profession.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

REQUIREMENTS:

IRC leading the way from harm to home.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at volunteerSLC@rescue.org to request any needed accommodation.

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.

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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.