Gain experience in social service with international clients as a Refugee Mentor Intern at Jewish Family Service's Refugee & Immigrant Service Centers (RISC), located in Kent, WA.
Help newly arrived refugees become acquainted with their surrounding communities and face the challenges of resettling in a new country. Interns will work cooperatively with our case management staff to support client resettlement and specific needs. Interns will commit an average of 5-10 hours per week. Essential activities include:
- Assist resettlement staff with initial client resettlement
- Provide information and mediate with healthcare, childcare and schooling services
- Provide information and mediate for clients accessing other social services
- Demonstrate how to utilize public transportation, explore the local library and community centers
- Discuss banking, credit cards and other financial skills
- Explain the job search process and practice interviews
- Practice conversation and other ESL skills
- Give advice and assistance regarding other everyday challenges in American life
Interns will provide refugees greater familiarity with U.S. conventions, English skills, and access to services while building confidence and developing independence.
Requirements:
- Interest and basic knowledge of social services
- Interest in cultural exchange with sensitivity to cultural differences
- Ability and comfort communicating nonverbally
- Ability to maintain proper boundaries with clients
- Comfort working independently with clients
- Average 5-10 hours per week for three months
- Ability to provide own transportation to RISC offices and residence of clients in South King County
- Successful completion of application (WA State Patrol and reference check) required
- No knowledge of foreign languages required
- We welcome all backgrounds; our team comes from all over the world with different cultures, ethnicities, religions and talents
We are dedicated to creating an effectual experience for interns. We will coordinate with your schedule, interests and needs.
