Preferred Communities Medicaid Research & Health Systems Impact Intern (unpaid)

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.

BACKGROUND:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) supports refugees and immigrants in achieving safety, stability, and self-sufficiency. The Preferred Communities (PC) program focuses on long-term, client-centered services that promote well-being and integration. As the program evolves, there is an increasing need to identify sustainable funding pathways and demonstrate the broader impact of services within healthcare systems.

SCOPE OF SERVICE:

This internship is structured in two complementary parts. The first focuses on researching and mapping Medicaid billing opportunities across Preferred Communities sites nationwide. The second focuses on analyzing the financial and systems-level impact of case management services, particularly in reducing emergency room utilization and associated costs.

The intern will work closely with the Preferred Communities team to conduct research, organize findings, and develop analyses that support program sustainability and healthcare system impact. Each component will result in a standalone literature review and final report.

IMPACT:

The intern’s work will contribute to strengthening long-term funding strategies for Preferred Communities programming while demonstrating the value of case management services in reducing healthcare costs and improving outcomes for clients and communities.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Develop understanding of Medicaid systems and their role in funding community-based services
• Build skills in multi-state systems mapping and policy research
• Gain experience conducting cost-benefit and impact analysis within healthcare and social service contexts
• Strengthen ability to translate complex research into clear, actionable reports
• Understand the relationship between preventative care, case management, and healthcare utilization
• Develop awareness of systemic barriers impacting access to healthcare
• Gain experience producing professional-level written reports and literature reviews

ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

Part 1: Medicaid Research & Systems Mapping

• Collect and organize information on Medicaid billing processes across Preferred Communities locations
• Map state-by-state Medicaid billing models, including variations in structure and implementation
• Identify key contacts and requirements related to Medicaid billing
• Research federal and state compliance requirements (e.g., HIPAA)
• Analyze organizational readiness for Medicaid billing
• Review eligibility criteria, billing codes, and reimbursable services
• Explore partnerships and workforce pathways (e.g., Community Health Workers)
• Assess financial considerations including reimbursement and administrative costs
• Identify alternative sustainability strategies beyond Medicaid

Part 2: Cost-Benefit Analysis & Health Systems Impact

• Conduct cost-benefit analysis on case management and emergency room utilization
• Research costs associated with emergency room visits
• Analyze patterns of ER usage among PC clients
• Examine disparities in healthcare access and utilization
• Develop frameworks for estimating cost savings
• Identify opportunities for collaboration with healthcare providers
• Create tools or models to support implementation of cost-saving strategies

TRAINING ACTIVITIES:

• Observation of program operations and strategy discussions
• Participation in team meetings and research check-ins
• Guided research assignments
• Supervised development of literature reviews and reports

DESIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Graduate or Doctoral-level coursework in Social Work, Public Health, Psychology, Psychiatry, or related field
• Strong research, analytical, and writing skills
• Ability to synthesize complex systems and policy information
• Interest in healthcare systems, Medicaid, and social service integration
• Strong attention to detail and organization

TIME COMMITMENT:

This internship is structured for educational benefit and professional development and does not constitute employment.

• Remote position; intern must have access to reliable technology and workspace
• Weekly hours: TBD
• Availability during standard business hours preferred
• Participation in onboarding and required IRC trainings
• Commitment to consistent and reliable engagement throughout the internship

ELIGIBILITY & ONBOARDING REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be located in the U.S. during the internship
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Completion of IRC background check
• Completion of IRC onboarding and required trainings, including:
  • IRC Way, Every Day
  • Safety and Security Training
  • Safeguarding Training
  • Information Security Awareness

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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Compensation: Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget.  Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

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.

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