Anti-Trafficking Intern (Summer 2026)

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 40 countries and 29 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.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Anti-Trafficking intern will work in close coordination with the case management teams to serve survivors of human trafficking who face barriers when navigating various systems to access resources and services.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assess needs and priorities and work directly with IRC clients to create a service plan and deliver on-going case management.
• Assist with outreach efforts by drafting, editing, and distributing informational materials such as flyers, fact sheets, presentations, and local resources.
• Contribute to partnership development by researching agencies, networks, and service providers aligned with program goals and impact.
• Guide clients to various appointments including but not limited to appointments with lawyers, local law enforcement, health care and public benefit providers.
• Engage in community mapping to identify and refer clients to external resources. Engage in community outreach activities to identify potential clients and increase IRC visibility.
• Assist in maintaining quality control of files.
• Other tasks as assigned.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Intern will gain case management experience by interacting with and assisting case manager on support for vulnerable clients.
• Intern will acquire knowledge of the US healthcare system.
• Intern will learn reporting requirements for resettlement agencies and how to capture data to improve services.
• Intern will learn or improve cross cultural communication skills.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum commitment of 20 hours per week.
• Ability to work in-person required.
• Reliable access to a personal vehicle, valid US driver's license, and active insurance policy preferred.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Organized with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.
• An interest in humanitarian issues, trafficking survivor services and related issues
• Proven ability to work independently and as a team member in a global setting.
• Willingness to use public transportation with clients in order to orient clients to buses, etc.
• Proficiency in Spanish, Arabic, or French preferred.

TO APPLY

Click Apply Now at the top of this page. Please attach a resume, cover letter, and a list of (at least) three references to your application. The deadline to apply is May 22, 2026. This position is for the Summer semester and requires a minimum commitment of 20 hours per week. Ability to work in-person at the Silver Spring office and at a minimum of 15 hours per week is required. Summer 2026 interns are expected to begin their internship term by attending an in-person intern orientation on June 1st, 2026 from 9:15AM-3:30PM. We currently offer internships during the following semesters:

Spring:

January

• May Summer:

  June

• August Fall:

  September
• December Internships are typically posted 2-3 months prior to the anticipated start date.

Note:

Internships with the IRC in Silver Spring are unpaid. Summer 2026 interns may be eligible for per diem reimbursement at the rate of $15/day to offset the costs of food and travel. For information on scholarship opportunities, contact your university or the IRC Silver Spring Community Engagement Coordinator Michalina Kulesza at michalina.kulesza@rescue.org .

• Candidates applying not enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program and outside of 12 months from graduation are welcome to apply.

These candidates will be processed as volunteers. To protect our clients, the IRC requires all selected applicants to complete background checks. We ask that you make a $30 donation to help us cover the associated costs. Currently, 87% of our funding goes directly to programming to support our clients, and your help to cover this cost will ensure that no funding is directed away from serving our clients. Instructions will be provided after you have been selected to intern or volunteer. IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way

• Standards for Professional Conduct .

Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding , Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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US Benefits:

We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.