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International Rescue Committee

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Organizational Mess and Lack of Good Leadership - Caseworker International Rescue Committee Employee Review

2.0
24 Jan 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

good PTO and flexibility with taking time off; helping clients achieve their goals can be rewarding

Cons

toxic work environment - understaffed and unequipped teams who feel the pressure of managing large and complex caseloads combined with a lack of quality leadership is a recipe for burnout. many people at the Seattle office were guilt-tripped and gaslit by managers. caseworkers/hourly employees do not get paid for overtime, despite insane overtime hours, and you rarely ever see changes implemented based on feedback from the direct service staff, which is why they all leave within 1-2 years. IRC also does not do a good job of hiring from within for excellent internal candidates who are looking to change roles or move to roles at HQ. more entry-level staff or looking into unionizing, or quitting, because they feel completely disillusioned by the leadership there.

Explore other reviews about International Rescue Committee

5.0
12 Mar 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Had a wonderful time interacting with the students and coworkers. Really appreciate the work of the IRC in supporting migrants.

Cons

No Cons to speak of

2.0
22 Apr 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

You will meet some amazing and passionate people here who are truly there for the mission. Many came to this country as refugees and immigrants themselves and continue to devote their lives to helping others going through similar experiences. If you end up on the right team, it's an extremely rewarding job.

Cons

Unfortunately, the HQ upper management makes it a toxic place to work. VPs regularly undercut each other publicly (including at all-team meetings and gossiping negatively with staff), especially when potential job cuts were on the horizon. C-Suite didn't listen to staff concerns about upper management and didn't investigate major departures by dedicated staff who left due to poor management despite their dedication to the mission. Leaders picked favorites, ignoring work performance (excusing mediocre performance in some, having high standards for others), and preferred yes-men over staff who wanted to think more critically about the work. Projects were pushed too quickly, despite concerns that it could be detrimental to clients. Positions given to unqualified internal staff who wouldn't be interviewed for the role as external candidates. Senior leaders (director and above) are more focused on keeping their jobs than the mission and will use lower staff work for their own career growth/safety. DEI didn't seem to apply for senior leader roles, where there was little, if any, diversity.

4
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