Join IRC as a Children’s Health Promotion Intern: Greaty opportunity – Apply Now for 2026

If you are a graduate student passionate about public health, immigrant rights, and child wellbeing, the Children’s Health Promotion Intern position at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) offers a meaningful opportunity to make a real difference. Based in New York with a hybrid schedule, this part-time internship runs from June 5, 2026 to September 5, 2026, and provides hands-on experience supporting unaccompanied immigrant children navigating complex health systems in the United States.

Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC responds to the world’s most pressing humanitarian crises. Operating in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, the organization works to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Through this internship, you will contribute directly to that mission at the community level.

Position Overview

• Location: Hybrid (New York, NY)
• Schedule: 2 days per week (15 hours total)
• Duration: June 5 – September 5, 2026
• Reports to: Jessica Lazo
• Application Deadline: June 1, 2026

This internship is based within the Children’s Legal Services (CLS) program in New York. CLS provides legal representation to unaccompanied children under the age of 18 who have no immigration status and have been officially designated as unaccompanied by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). The program helps children understand immigration processes, prepare for hearings, and apply for immigration relief.

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Stipend and Compensation

This is an unpaid internship. However, it may be pursued for academic credit depending on your university’s requirements. Candidates seeking academic credit are encouraged to indicate this in their cover letter.

Although there is no stipend for interns, IRC employees in the United States benefit from a competitive benefits package, reflecting the organization’s commitment to staff wellbeing. These benefits include generous paid time off, health insurance options, retirement savings plans with employer matching, disability and life insurance, and access to an Employee Assistance Program.

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Key Responsibilities

As a Children’s Health Promotion Intern, you will support CLS clients with health-related services and advocacy. Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting clients with Medicaid, New York Family Child Health Plus, and HealthFirst applications and follow-ups
• Supporting documentation submission and updating client records
• Advocating with and for clients during healthcare enrollment processes
• Facilitating transportation orientations to help clients navigate public transit
• Accompanying clients to medical appointments to assist with check-in and ensure interpretation services are available
• Assessing client needs under supervision and making appropriate community referrals

This is a highly interactive role that combines case support, health navigation, outreach, and advocacy.

Learning Objectives

This internship is structured to provide strong professional development in public health and immigrant services. By the end of the placement, you will:

1. Gain in-depth knowledge about immigrant communities in New York, with a focus on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.
2. Learn how to navigate and explain complex U.S. health systems used by immigrant families.
3. Develop outreach, communication, and advocacy skills in real-world settings.

This is particularly valuable for students interested in careers in public health, social work, health policy, or nonprofit leadership.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for this internship, candidates must:

• Be currently pursuing a master’s degree in public health, social work, or a related field
• Have experience working with diverse populations, ideally in health and wellness contexts
• Have lived or professional experience with refugee or immigrant communities (highly desirable)
• Be fluent in Spanish (required)

Fluency in Spanish is essential due to the needs of the client population served by the CLS program.

Why Choose the IRC?

Work That Has Meaning
Every day at the IRC presents an opportunity to make a difference. Interns are integrated into teams that are purpose-driven and impact-focused, working to restore dignity and hope to vulnerable communities.

Global Scale, Local Impact
Though this role is based in New York, you will be part of a global humanitarian organization with a diverse workforce spanning continents. The IRC values cross-cultural collaboration and shared learning.

Innovation and Evidence-Based Practice
The IRC is committed to setting high standards in humanitarian response, using evidence and data-driven strategies to improve services and outcomes.

Community-Centered Culture
IRC fosters an empathetic, supportive work environment grounded in its core values: Integrity, Service, Equality, and Accountability. The organization enforces strict policies on safeguarding, fiscal integrity, and protection from retaliation, ensuring a safe and ethical workplace.

Recruitment Process

The typical recruitment process includes up to three interview rounds:

1. Initial conversation with the recruiting team
2. Interview with the hiring manager or program stakeholder
3. Final round assessing role-specific competencies (may include a panel interview)

Reference checks are conducted before extending an offer, followed by a background check.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for graduate students who:

• Are passionate about health equity and immigrant justice
• Want practical experience in case management and advocacy
• Are considering careers in humanitarian response or nonprofit health services
• Value community-centered and ethical work environments

Although unpaid, the experience gained in this internship can significantly strengthen your resume and professional network, particularly for those pursuing long-term roles in international development, public health, or social services.

Final Thoughts

The Children’s Health Promotion Intern role at the International Rescue Committee is more than just an internship—it is a chance to stand alongside vulnerable children and help them access critical healthcare services. You will not only support legal and health navigation processes but also empower young clients to better understand and access systems that directly impact their wellbeing.

If you are a Spanish-speaking graduate student eager to gain meaningful field experience while contributing to a respected humanitarian organization, this hybrid New York opportunity may be the perfect fit for your summer 2026 plans.