Operations & Front Desk Intern (Unpaid)

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 50 countries and more than 25 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: The International Rescue Committee(IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home.

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK: The Front Desk Volunteer will provide coverage for the reception desk, greet and direct client walk-ins, and schedule client appointments with appropriate staff.  He/she will answer the IRC in New Jersey’s main telephone line, direct incoming calls as appropriate and assess documentation of clients to determine program eligibility. The Front Desk Volunteer will provide additional clerical assistance and support to IRC staff in the office.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Perform reception duties such as greeting visitors to the office and connecting them to appropriate staff

• Assess documentation of visitors to determine eligibility of services

• Schedule appointments for all programs depending on eligibility of client

• Answer and direct incoming phone calls

• Assist staff with clerical and administrative duties

• Display sensitivity to cultural and personality differences of refugee clients.  Respect their beliefs and values.  

• Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy.  

• Communicate effectively in person and by telephone.

• Other related duties as assigned.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Understand scope of IRC services and programs available for a variety of immigrant and refugee groups in New Jersey.

1. Improve communication and customer service skills in a linguistically and culturally diverse environment.

1. Learn about refugee resettlement issues and processes.

REQUIREMENTS: 

• Previous administrative experience preferred

• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)

• Cultural sensitivity and detail oriented with the proven ability to meet deadlines

• Ability to effectively communicate and work as a team member in a cross-cultural environment;

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English; additional fluency in Haitian Creole, Spanish,  Arabic, Dari, Pashto, French, or Kiswahili preferred.

• Willing to learn about IRC history, philosophy, global work, and local efforts.

• Willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies.

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.