Safety and Wellness Intern, New York (Hybrid/Remote)
Are you passionate about mental health and supporting vulnerable communities? The International Rescue Committee (IRC), a global leader in humanitarian aid, is actively seeking a dedicated Safety and Wellness Intern to join our New York team for Summer 2025. Indeed, this Safety and Wellness Intern opportunity is incredible. Consequently, you’ll contribute to vital mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services for newly arrived refugees and immigrants in the U.S. This is truly a rewarding mental health internship.
Founded in 1933 at Albert Einstein’s call, the IRC stands as one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO). We work in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities. Ultimately, we help people restore health, safety, education, economic well-being, and dignity after conflict and disaster. If you are a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, then by all means, come join us. You’ll positively impact millions of lives worldwide for a better future as a well-being intern.
This Safety and Wellness Intern position offers a unique blend of hybrid and remote work. It provides ample flexibility. At the same time, it allows you to experience the vibrant work environment of our New York office if you’re local. Specifically, you’ll report to the Safety & Wellness Manager and Mental Health Coordinator. Therefore, you will play a crucial role in our program focusing on safety and wellness.
Scope of Work: Supporting Refugee & Immigrant Wellness as a Safety and Wellness Intern
The IRC in the United States welcomes newly arrived refugees and immigrants. We support their resettlement. We also provide holistic services to help them build new lives. Consequently, as a Safety and Wellness Intern, you will directly support our Safety & Wellness Program. In doing so, you’ll provide mental health and psychosocial support services to clients with identified mental and emotional health needs. This vital work ensures client safety and wellness.
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Key Responsibilities: Making a Tangible Difference as a Mental Health Intern
Your general responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following for this mental health internship:
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Mental Health Case Management: First and foremost, you will provide basic supportive counseling and case management services. This involves a small caseload of clients with identified mental and emotional health needs. It includes making referrals to mental health services and resources. Furthermore, you’ll coordinate care, advocate on behalf of clients, and accompany them to behavioral health appointments when necessary. Your efforts will directly promote their safety and wellness.
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Support Group & Workshop Implementation: Moreover, you will support the implementation of Safety & Wellness support groups and workshops. This involves outreach to clients and community organizations. It also includes curriculum development, facilitating groups alongside Mental Health Coordinators, offering interpretation and translation support (if relevant), and providing other administrative assistance. This work contributes greatly to client well-being.
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On-site MHPSS Services: Additionally, you will provide on-site MHPSS services at IRC’s Newcomer Summer Academy. You’ll collaborate closely with the Mental Health Coordinator.
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Project Support: Furthermore, you will assist with ongoing Safety & Wellness projects as needed. This includes supporting community needs assessments, resource mapping, and building partnerships to enhance Safety & Wellness programming.
Learning Objectives: Developing Your Expertise as a Well-being Intern
Through this well-being intern opportunity, you will gain valuable skills and knowledge. Specifically:
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You will gain skills and knowledge in mental health case management and basic supportive counseling. This applies particularly to forcibly displaced communities. Your learning directly supports safety and wellness practices.
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Ultimately, you will develop competency in the creation and facilitation of support groups and workshops. These will be tailored for targeted communities.
Qualifications & Requirements:
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You must be currently enrolled in a master’s program in social work, mental health, and/or public health.
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Professional proficiency in an additional language is preferred. Spanish, Ukrainian, Russian, and French are highly desirable.
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Furthermore, you must be based in the U.S. You must be a U.S. citizen or hold U.S. work authorization.
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You must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution or have graduated from a post-secondary institution within the last 2 years.
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Finally, you must commit to working a minimum of 15 hours per week, at least until the end of August for summer internships. This commitment supports overall program safety and wellness.
Preferred Qualifications:
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Interest or experience working with forcibly displaced and/or immigrant communities.
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Interest or experience in providing case management services and familiarity with mental health systems.
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Excellent communication skills. You should also have the ability to collaborate closely with team members and community partners.
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Ability to thrive in a dynamic work environment.
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Ability to multitask and prioritize various tasks and projects effectively.
Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and its workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct: Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.
Apply now: https://unjobs.org/vacancies/1752067866929
FAQs
Q1: Is this a paid internship?
No, this is an unpaid internship.
Q2: What is the duration of this Safety and Wellness Intern position?
This internship has a duration of 3 months, from June 2, 2025.
Q3: What is the work arrangement for this mental health internship?
This is a hybrid or remote internship based in New York, USA. Therefore, you have the flexibility to work from home or in the office.
Q4: What academic background do I need to apply for this well-being intern role?
You must be currently enrolled in a master’s program in social work, mental health, and/or public health. Alternatively, you should have graduated from a post-secondary institution within the last two years.
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