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Refugee Service Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RBC Bearings

Customer Service Associate

CA · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

A CSR must have excellent communication skills to interact with their customers, our Field Sales ... refugee or asylee status. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all ...

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$36

How much do refugee service jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for refugee service in California is $20.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.06 and $23.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a refugee service worker?

Refugee Service workers are professionals who assist refugees and asylum seekers in adjusting to life in a new country. They help individuals and families access essential services like housing, healthcare, education, and employment. These workers also provide emotional support, advocacy, and guidance through complex legal and social systems. Their goal is to help refugees build self-sufficiency and integrate successfully into their new communities.

What skills and qualifications are needed to work in refugee services?

To thrive in Refugee Services, you need a strong background in social work, case management, and cross-cultural communication, often supported by a relevant degree or experience in humanitarian work. Familiarity with case management software, knowledge of immigration procedures, and sometimes fluency in multiple languages or certifications like trauma-informed care are valuable. Compassion, cultural sensitivity, and strong problem-solving abilities help professionals build trust and effectively support vulnerable populations. These skills and qualities are crucial for providing comprehensive assistance that addresses both immediate needs and long-term integration for refugees.

What is the difference between Refugee Service vs Case Manager?

AspectRefugee ServiceCase Manager
Required CredentialsRelevant social work or counseling certifications, bilingual skills often preferredSimilar social work or counseling certifications, with emphasis on client advocacy
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, government agencies, community centersHealthcare facilities, social service agencies, community organizations
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in refugee resettlement and immigrant support sectorsAcross various social service sectors including healthcare, housing, and community support

Refugee Service and Case Manager roles share similar credentials and work environments, often overlapping in social work skills. However, Refugee Service focuses specifically on assisting refugees with resettlement, while Case Managers handle a broader range of client needs across different populations.

What challenges do professionals in refugee services face, and how are they addressed?

Professionals in Refugee Services often encounter challenges such as navigating complex legal and resettlement procedures, managing high case volumes, and addressing language or cultural barriers between clients and service providers. These challenges are typically addressed through ongoing training, strong collaboration with community partners, and the use of interpreters or culturally competent staff. Additionally, team support and regular debriefings help staff manage the emotional demands of the role, ensuring both effective service delivery and staff well-being.

What are popular job titles related to Refugee Service jobs in California?

For Refugee Service jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Refugee Service jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Refugee Service jobs in California are:

Refugee Service jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refugee Service job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,310 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Fall 2026: Refugee Resettlement Intern (Unpaid)

International Rescue Committee

San Diego, CA • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

International Rescue Committee rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

358th of 772 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

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 INTERN WORK: The Refugee Resettlement intern will be instrumental in helping newly arrived refugees, and other refugees who are facing significant barriers to connect to appropriate services in San Diego. The intern will support Caseworkers, refugee clients directly, and will assist with ongoing projects within the Resettlement Department. The Resettlement Department consists of two programs: Program for Initial Resettlement, and Refugee Health and Promotion Program. The Intern will be working mainly with the Program for Initial Resettlement program.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Drive and accompany clients to appointments, such as the DMV, health check-ups, Social Security appointments, school enrollments, etc.

  • Assist Resettlement Caseworkers with airport pickups for newly arriving refugee families.

  • Assist with setting up the apartments of families scheduled to arrive to San Diego, including shopping for a set list of items.

  • Take clients to the bank to open accounts or withdraw money.

  • Help clients enroll in services, in-person or remotely.

  • Accompany clients on bus/metro trips to help them learn routes on the San Diego public transit system.

  • Develop guides and learning materials for client use (examples: healthcare navigation, food banks, local community guides, etc.)

  • Organize long-term projects or resources that will benefit the livelihoods of refugee clients.

  • Provide ongoing office support for the Resettlement department including preparing case files, writing and emailing on behalf of clients, maintaining supplies, and welcoming guests.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
  • Student will learn about service plans, and the essential steps of setting up new refugee families for success in San Diego

  • Student will learn about the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and the resettlement process.

  • Student will learn more about the populations of refugees in San Diego.

  • Students will learn about the essential functions of a non-profit office needed to help programs continue to run.

REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or master's program focused on Education, International Relations/Development, Social Work, or related field

  • Must be a self-starter, enthusiastic, and possess a positive attitude.

  • Excellent organizational skills, strong communication and interpersonal skills, empathetic, and ability to effectively collaborate.

  • Ability to use basic functions of Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office programs.

  • English fluency required.

  • 1+ years related work or volunteer experience with a non-profit strongly preferred.

  • A strong interest in working with a diverse, low-income population is required.

  • Proactive, motivated and flexible; able to remain calm and adapt within a fast-paced work environment.

  • Language skills a plus (Farsi/Dari, Kiswahili, Arabic, or Russian strongly preferred)

  • Valid driver's license, reliable vehicle with current insurance and the ability to travel regularly in the area (daytime and nighttime hours)

This position reports to the Casework Supervisor.
Compensation: This is an unpaid internship opportunity.
Working Environment:
  • The Program for Initial Resettlement Internship is in-person at the El Cajon office.

  • San Diego office hours are scheduled Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm PST. Selected interns can choose their hours based on this window of availability.

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.
Cookies: https://careers.rescue.org/us/en/cookiesettings
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.

What International Rescue Committee employees say

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About International Rescue Committee

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 28 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our 28 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.

Industry

Non-profits

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1933

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