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

Internship Opportunity With The International Rescue CommitteeThe 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.BackgroundThe 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 ServiceThis 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.ImpactThe 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 ObjectivesDevelop understanding of Medicaid systems and their role in funding community-based servicesBuild skills in multi-state systems mapping and policy researchGain experience conducting cost-benefit and impact analysis within healthcare and social service contextsStrengthen ability to translate complex research into clear, actionable reportsUnderstand the relationship between preventative care, case management, and healthcare utilizationDevelop awareness of systemic barriers impacting access to healthcareGain experience producing professional-level written reports and literature reviewsActivities IncludePart 1: Medicaid Research & Systems MappingCollect and organize information on Medicaid billing processes across Preferred Communities locationsMap state-by-state Medicaid billing models, including variations in structure and implementationIdentify key contacts and requirements related to Medicaid billingResearch federal and state compliance requirements (e.g., HIPAA)Analyze organizational readiness for Medicaid billingReview eligibility criteria, billing codes, and reimbursable servicesExplore partnerships and workforce pathways (e.g., Community Health Workers)Assess financial considerations including reimbursement and administrative costsIdentify alternative sustainability strategies beyond MedicaidPart 2: Cost-Benefit Analysis & Health Systems ImpactConduct cost-benefit analysis on case management and emergency room utilizationResearch costs associated with emergency room visitsAnalyze patterns of ER usage among PC clientsExamine disparities in healthcare access and utilizationDevelop frameworks for estimating cost savingsIdentify opportunities for collaboration with healthcare providersCreate tools or models to support implementation of cost-saving strategiesTraining ActivitiesObservation of program operations and strategy discussionsParticipation in team meetings and research check-insGuided research assignmentsSupervised development of literature reviews and reportsDesired Skills And AbilitiesGraduate or Doctoral-level coursework in Social Work, Public Health, Psychology, Psychiatry, or related fieldStrong research, analytical, and writing skillsAbility to synthesize complex systems and policy informationInterest in healthcare systems, Medicaid, and social service integrationStrong attention to detail and organizationTime CommitmentThis internship is structured for educational benefit and professional development and does not constitute employment.Remote position; intern must have access to reliable technology and workspaceWeekly hours: TBDAvailability during standard business hours preferredParticipation in onboarding and required IRC trainingsCommitment to consistent and reliable engagement throughout the internshipEligibility & Onboarding RequirementsMust be located in the U.S. during the internshipMust be at least 18 years oldCompletion of IRC background checkCompletion of IRC onboarding and required trainings, including:IRC Way, Every DaySafety and Security TrainingSafeguarding TrainingInformation Security AwarenessProfessional StandardsAll 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.