Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services Intern (Unpaid)

International Rescue Committee
United States, New Jersey, Elizabeth
Nov 15, 2024
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. BACKGROUND: International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in more than 40 countries and over 20 U.S. cities, the IRC provides resettlement, education and empowerment support to refugees and displaced people. SCOPE OF WORK (INTERN): IRC NJ's Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services is part of the Health and Wellness program. The Team supports newcomers as they learn to navigate the U.S. health care system. We recognize that clients are the experts on their own lives, experiences, and beliefs. The Health and Wellness team uses client expertise to guide, encourage, and empower clients as they interact with various health systems. We teach clients how to set up appointments, find specialists, apply for health insurance, request interpretation, access emotional support services, among many other skills and needs. Additionally, the MHPSS intern serves a specialized role in helping facilitate and coordinate mental health care for our clients, working with the MHPSS Clinical Supervisor and the doctoral level psychology externs. RESPONSIBILITIES: Health and Wellness Interns will assist IRC NJ clients with a variety of support services, such as Medicaid/New Jersey Family Care follow up, appointment accompaniment, transportation orientations, supported health referrals, and developing health resources for IRC NJ clients. The MHPSS intern will also provide other direct services to clients as needed, under the supervision of the MHPSS Clinical Supervisor and the Health and Wellness Supervisor. These responsibilities will include: Assist with scheduling screening appointments and initial assessments for clients assigned to Psychology Externs With the MHPSS Clinical Supervisor, develop and maintain an excel summary sheet of referrals and clients served Assist with development of additional databases as needed Assist clients with learning the NJ public transportation system so clients can come to the IRC for MHPSS appointments Accompany Clinical Supervisor and Psychology Extern on client home visits as requested and as schedule permits Following an introductory training, participate in co-facilitating client psychoeducational groups with Psychology Extern Assist with interpretation if needed by Psychology Externs Develop and maintain an update to date list of mental health resources in the state, focusing primarily on northern and central NJ LEARNING OBJECTIVES: The student will learn about refugee resettlement issues and processes as they relate to client's physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. The student will learn how to effectively navigate health systems that IRC NJ clients frequently need and access. The student will develop basic psychosocial support skills in facilitating MHPSS work with clients, guided by assigned Psychology Externs Minimum Qualifications: REQUIREMENTS: Currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in public health, social work, or related field. Available at least 15 hours each week, combination of in person and remote Experience working with diverse populations, ideally in the context of psychosocial support, health and wellness. Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations is highly desirable. Fluency in a second language is preferred (e.g., Spanish, Arabic, French, Haitian Creole, Kiswahili, Dari or Pashto) Solid computer skills, including email, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, among others. Strong research skills. Willingness to travel in Northern and Central NJ to meet with clients. IRC leading the way From Harm to Home. Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality. Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.