CWS Tampa – Refugee Family Support & Community Integration Internship (PIR Program)

Employer

University of South Florida (USF) - Mellon Humanities Internship Program

Mellon Humanities Internship Program
Title: CWS Tampa – Refugee Family Support & Community Integration Internship (PIR Program)
Internship Site: Tampa, FL
Field: Social Services
Total Internship Hours: 50
Location: Onsite – Tampa, FL

MHI Compensation: This position is eligible for the MHI $1000 Scholarship. Students who receive an offer for this position will be required to enroll in the Mellon Humanities Internship course to receive the $1000 scholarship disbursement. As referenced in the Student Interest Form that you filled out to sign up for participation in MHI, this scholarship can impact, or be impacted by, other financial aid you receive. 

If an internship requires out of pocket costs, students may apply for reimbursement for expenses including background checks, qualifying travel, or equipment. All applications will be reviewed and processed for eligibility. Please contact your departments internship coordinator for more details.

The $1000 scholarship offered for this position is intended to provide financial assistance for the pursuit of your education; it is not compensation for the performance of any services and does not create an employment relationship between the you and the Site.

This position is an experiential learning opportunity and receipt of the scholarship is tied to an academic course (IDS 3947). If you do not complete your registration for the course in a timely manner, your internship offer may be withdrawn, and your department’s Internship Coordinator may notify the host organization that the position has reopened.

Job Description:                                                                                                      

The internship will provide students with hands-on experience in refugee resettlement, community engagement, and nonprofit service delivery through direct exposure to the day-to-day operations of the PIR Program at Church World Service Tampa. Interns will have a variety of options to support staff in serving newly arrived refugee families while developing professional, organizational, and cross-cultural communication skills.

Intern responsibilities may include assisting with administrative and case management support activities such as scanning and organizing documents, maintaining client files and case records, updating internal documentation systems, and supporting accurate case note entry under staff supervision. Interns can also assist with office operations and preparation of client materials and resources.

In addition, interns may participate in direct service support activities for newly arrived families, including helping staff prepare and set up apartments prior to client arrivals by organizing household items, basic furnishings, welcome supplies, and donation materials. Interns may also assist with community resource coordination and other integration support activities as appropriate.

Throughout the internship, students will gain exposure to refugee resettlement processes, trauma-informed service practices, cultural humility, client confidentiality standards, and nonprofit program operations. Interns will receive mentorship, routine feedback, and guidance from experienced program staff.

Multiple opportunities available. Examples of specific projects and deliverables may include:

• Completing and organizing digital and physical client files
• Assisting with preparation and setup of housing units for arriving families
• Supporting documentation and tracking of case management activities
• Creating or updating community resource materials for clients
• Assisting with inventory and donation organization projects
• Participating in team meetings, trainings, and program coordination activities

By the end of the internship, students will have completed meaningful project-based assignments, gained practical nonprofit and humanitarian services experience, and developed a stronger understanding of refugee integration and community support systems in the United States.

Qualifications:

• Interest in humanitarian work, refugee resettlement, nonprofit services, or community engagement
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural and team-oriented environment
• Ability to manage confidential information with professionalism and sensitivity
• Flexibility, adaptability, and willingness to assist with a variety of program and operational needs
• Cultural sensitivity, empathy, and professionalism when interacting with diverse populations
• Ability to follow instructions, receive feedback, and work under staff supervision
• Capacity to assist with light physical tasks related to apartment setup and organization for newly arrived families
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to complete administrative and office support tasks accurately and efficiently

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience volunteering or working in community service, nonprofit, educational, or multicultural environments
• Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus, particularly Spanish, Haitian Creole, Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Russian, or Ukrainian