Internships

Our resettlement agency offers unique in-person internship opportunities in each program located in either our Silver Spring, Maryland location or Arlington, Virginia location. These programs include:

Resettlement and Placement
The Reception and Placement (R&P) program works with refugees for 90 days after their
date of arrival. It involves picking refugees up at the airport and signing up for social
benefits like SNAP and Medicaid. (Available in both offices)

Employment
The Employment (RSS or MG) program helps refugees apply for jobs. They network with
employers and help with resumes and job applications. (Available in both offices)

Preferred Communities
The Preferred Communities (PC) program works with clients that have vulnerabilities for
up to 5 years. They help to navigate the Medicaid system and set up doctor’s
appointments. (Available in both offices)

Safe Journeys
This program oversees refugees that are victims of crime, human trafficking, and
domestic violence by providing them with information regarding legal and psychological
help. (Virginia office only)

Youth
The Youth program helps young refugees through mentorship and school enrollment.
(Virtual only)

Housing
The Housing Coordinator networks between leasing agencies and finds affordable
housing for refugees. (Available in both offices)

Development
The Resource Development team supports the organization’s fundraising efforts
through corporate and community outreach, grant research, proposal development,
and event planning. It includes Donation and Volunteer coordination as well as Social
Media management. (Virginia office only)

The time required for each program varies with a minimum of 15-20 hours a week in the office.
Internship positions require a minimum commitment of 4 months. Interns are hired on a seasonal basis:
Fall Internship: September-December
Spring Internship: January-April
Summer Internship: May-August

Key Responsibilities

While each program offers its own unique responsibility, the general responsibilities of an internship in our office include:

  •   Assist with case management and maintenance of files 
  • Conduct outreach to build new relationships with local service providers and support services. 
  • Promote the program in the community through physical visits, emails, and phone contacts 
  • May provide transportation assistance to refugees in program
  • Assist with writing quarterly reports 
  • Submit timesheets on a monthly basis 
  • Other tasks as assigned, specific to program

Learning Outcomes

While these internships are unpaid, by the end of your internship with us you will have received:

  • Exposure to basic non-profit operations and environment
  • Increased intercultural communication competency
  • Knowledge of marginalized populations – challenges and opportunities
  • Ability to provide sensitive and confidential services
  • Experience working with limited English proficiency populations and interpreters
  • Knowledge of local support service networks
  • Ability to navigate social service systems
  • Basic ability to keep case notes, client reporting, and client files to Federal and State funder standards

Qualifications

  •  Pursuing a college degree in Social Work, Human Rights, Criminal Justice or a related field
  •  Access to transportation, these internship positions are in-person and you might be asked to
    drive clients or deliver documents. Mileage reimbursement will be provided.
  •  Access to a laptop
  •  Ability to work independently as well as on a team
  •  Ability to work well under pressure
  •  Ability to be flexible
  •  Creativity and initiative to follow through on projects
  •  Effective communication and writing skills
  •  Previous experience working in multicultural contexts is desirable
  •  Proficiency in one or more languages other than English is desirable
  •  Successful and timely completion of background check and signed confidentiality agreement

How to Apply

Please email your cover letter and resume to kstockton-juarez@ecdcus.org. In the subject line of your email put “Internship for” and the name of the program you would like to be considered for. If you would like to be considered for all programs, write “ECDC”. Please note which season you would like to apply for in your email. Applications are considered on a first-come, first-served, rolling basis.