Special Needs Health Internship with the International Rescue Committee

Special Needs Health Internship with the International Rescue Committee Location: Baltimore PURPOSE: Many newly arrived refugees and asylees are considered medically vulnerable, whose complex medical conditions have been compounded by living conditions overseas.  Upon arrival to the United States, they are further challenged to effectively navigate the US healthcare system and access important community health resources.   The Special Health Needs program focuses on reducing healthcare disparities for medically vulnerable clients by connecting them to healthcare, education, resources, and psychosocial support.  The Special Health Needs Intern will play the vital role of supporting the Special Needs Care Coordinator in providing intensive medical case management and psychosocial support services to medically vulnerable refugees and asylees. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Assist with provision of medical care coordination services for medically vulnerable clients (i.e. health insurance applications, medical appointments , support service appointments, home visits)material resource referrals and home visits) Serve as a patient advocate by accompanying clients to medical appointments, aiding clients in navigating local healthcare services, as well as coordinating necessary follow-up care. Provide individual and family-centered health education to reinforce clients’ understandings of health conditions, treatment instructions, medical service plan, and follow-up care. Develop and/or adapt medical case management tools, health resources and educational materials for use by staff, volunteers, and clients. Assist with research and outreach to develop partnerships with medical providers and community organizations. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: To gain an understanding of the refugee resettlement process and health disparities experienced by newly arrived refugees within the US healthcare system To learn how to effectively facilitate and advocate for clients’ access to timely and culturally appropriate medical care. To learn how to create/adapt/identify culturally appropriate health educational resources and services for clients. QUALIFICATIONS: Experience in public health, health education, behavioral or social sciences, international development or related field High level of cultural sensitivity and interest in working in a multicultural setting Organized with great attention to detail and great flexibility Able to work independently and effectively as a team member in a fast-paced environment Reliable and responsible for attending all appointments and meetings scheduled A car/driver’s license and willingness to transport clients to/from health-related appointments/events Strong communication and writing skills Strong computer skills: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and experience with graphic design. Proficiency in a foreign language, including Arabic, Amharic, Burmese, Chin, Nepali, Swahili or Tigrinya is beneficial but not required. Please apply by sending your resume, cover letter, and contact info for 2 references directly to the Volunteer Coordinator  taylor.jenkins@rescue.org   with the following information listed in the cover letter: -projected start/end date (noting that we have a 3-month minimum for our internships) -days and number of hours of availability during the work week (for example: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9am-5pm) -whether or not you would have access to a car in which you would be willing to drive with the refugees and asylees we serve to access social services We look forward to reviewing your application!