Children's Health Promotion Intern – New York (Unpaid)

About the role

The International Rescue Committee’s Children’s Legal Services (CLS) program in New York is seeking a motivated intern to support health promotion for unaccompanied refugee children. This unpaid position can be taken for academic credit and offers hands‑on experience navigating Medicaid, health‑care referrals, and transportation resources.

Key responsibilities

• Assist clients with Medicaid, New York Child Health Plus, and HealthFirst applications, including documentation submission and follow‑up.
• Facilitate health‑and‑wellness transportation orientations to help clients use public transit safely.
• Accompany clients to medical appointments, verify presumptive eligibility, and arrange interpretation services.
• Under supervision, assess client needs and make appropriate community referrals.
• Research and develop health‑resource materials for CLS clients.

Required profile

• Current enrollment in a relevant academic program and interest in obtaining academic credit.
• Strong interest in immigrant and refugee health issues.
• Ability to work on‑site in New York and interact respectfully with diverse populations.
• Willingness to work under supervision of the CLS team.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to learn about immigrant communities and their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.
• Practical experience navigating U.S. health‑care systems used by refugee families.
• Development of outreach, advocacy, and community‑referral skills.