About the Organization
The Salvation Army is an international movement and an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its mission is to meet human needs without discrimination. National Headquarters (NHQ) supports the work of The Salvation Army across the United States and internationally by providing leadership, resources, and strategic support to territorial and local operations.
ABOUT SAWSO
The Salvation Army (TSA) operates in 134 countries around the globe serving vulnerable communities. The Salvation Army World Service Office (SAWSO) plays a key role in this global effort, serving as the U.S.-based office for supporting high-impact international assistance tailored to meet local needs in communities around the world. Guided by our mission to meet human needs without discrimination, we work alongside local partners to provide food, shelter, healthcare, education, and emergency relief to individuals and families facing poverty, displacement, and crisis.
JOB SUMMARY
The Salvation Army World Service Office (SAWSO) partners with international Salvation Army territories to improve the well‑being of vulnerable children, families, and communities. Across all sectors—Global Health, Education, Anti‑Human Trafficking, Disaster Relief & Recovery, Livelihoods & Economic Development, and Capacity Building—SAWSO is committed to strengthening disability inclusion within all project areas.
Many Salvation Army international programs operate in low‑resource environments where individuals with disabilities face significant barriers to participation. While disability inclusion exists across some program sectors, SAWSO seeks to more intentionally integrate disability into program design, implementation, monitoring, and organizational learning.
The Disability Inclusion for International Development Intern will support a cross‑sector effort to improve disability‑inclusive programming throughout SAWSO’s global portfolio. This includes analysis of existing programs, development of practical guidance, research
on global and local disability resources, and recommendations for inclusive project design.
This internship is ideal for students interested in global disability inclusion, inclusive development, child and family well‑being, global health, social protection, or community-based services.
Key Responsibilities
This job description should not be interpreted as all‑inclusive. Interns can work with Mentors to select areas of interest. Additional responsibilities may be assigned based on organizational needs.
1. Mapping and Documenting Existing Salvation Army Disability Programs
- Identify and document Salvation Army programs across international territories that currently serve or include persons with disabilities—whether these are disability‑specific initiatives or broader programs that meaningfully integrate disability elements.
- Gather information through project reports, annual plans, consultations with SAWSO sector specialists, and direct communication with territorial staff.
- Analyze program approaches to determine strengths, areas of innovation, and promising practices that may be relevant across territories.
- Assess gaps in service delivery or inclusion and identify opportunities where disability‑inclusive approaches could be strengthened, expanded, or replicated.
- Develop a comprehensive internal reference document summarizing existing disability inclusion efforts across the global Salvation Army, designed to inform organizational learning and future program design.
2. Cross‑Sector Disability Inclusion Review
- Conduct a systematic review of current SAWSO projects to evaluate how disability inclusion is addressed across program sectors and where improvements may be needed. Sector areas include:
- Child and Family Care – Family‑based care, transitions from residential care, positive parenting, child protection, and safeguarding practices.
- Global Health – Disease prevention, maternal and child health, WASH programming, and strengthening community health systems.
- Education – School infrastructure improvements, teacher training, inclusive education strategies, and after‑school enrichment.
- Anti‑Human Trafficking – Prevention initiatives, awareness campaigns, survivor support, case management, and safe reintegration.
- Disaster Relief & Recovery – Inclusive emergency assistance, psychosocial support for affected populations, and long‑term community recovery efforts.
- Livelihoods & Economic Development – Income‑generation programs, savings groups, small business development, and economic inclusion for marginalized groups.
- Capacity Building – Strengthening local Salvation Army units through leadership development, program management training, and sustainability planning. Prepare sector‑specific summaries outlining current levels of disability inclusion, potential barriers to participation, risks of unintentional exclusion, and opportunities for strengthening inclusive practices.
3. Technical Research & Recommendations
- Conduct research on global frameworks, standards, and evidence‑based approaches for disability‑inclusive development (e.g., CRPD, CBID, inclusive education principles).
- Review tools, guidelines, and case studies from international organizations working on disability inclusion.
- Develop practical, context‑appropriate recommendations tailored to low‑resource and low‑capacity environments where many Salvation Army programs operate.
- Identify strategies to enhance accessibility within program implementation, monitoring and evaluation systems, communication methods, and community participation.
4. Country‑Level Disability Resource Mapping
- Identify and compile information on disability stakeholders and resources in priority countries, including national and community‑based organizations, advocacy groups, parent support networks, rehabilitation services, and inclusive education providers.
Draft concise country briefs summarizing:
- National disability laws and policies
- Key federations and NGOs
- Community support structures
- Rehabilitation and assistive technology resources
- Barriers and opportunities for collaboration
- Provide recommendations on how SAWSO’s programs can build partnerships, strengthen referrals, and enhance disability support within communities.
5. Resource & Tool Development
- Support the design and development of disability‑inclusion tools—including checklists, assessments, training modules, and guidance documents—that can be used across SAWSO sectors.
- Create user‑friendly materials for program staff, Salvation Army leaders, community volunteers, and frontline service providers.
- Contribute to training or orientation materials for internal and external stakeholders as needed.
6. Stakeholder Engagement
- Participate in virtual or in‑person meetings with Salvation Army territories to understand local needs, constraints, cultural contexts, and opportunities related to disability inclusion.
- Assist with preparing agendas, facilitating discussions, documenting key action items, and following up with participating offices.
- Collaborate closely with SAWSO sector specialists to ensure disability considerations are aligned with technical strategies and sector‑specific goals.
7. Additional Responsibilities
- Support efforts to build or strengthen partnerships with global, regional, or national disability organizations, networks, and coalitions.
- Assist with internal SAWSO communication, administrative support, information management, and logistical coordination.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support the broader work of SAWSO’s technical teams.
MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
- Computer and Printer
- Photocopy Machine
- Scanner
- Microsoft Office365
IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE
- Mission-aligned student (or recent grad) who’s curious about process improvement and comfortable toggling between research, stakeholder conversations, and hands-on low-code build.
- Demonstrates structured thinking (can map a workflow), an eye for data quality, and basic scripting comfort.
- Communicates well in writing and creates clean, reusable artifacts: test cases, user guides, and dashboard notes.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Strong interest in disability inclusion and rights-based development.
- Familiarity with disability frameworks (e.g., CRPD, community-based inclusive development) is an asset.
- Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize deadlines.
- Ability to organize and present information clearly.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Cultural humility and sensitivity toward diverse populations.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
- Proficiency in English and Microsoft Office365.
Qualifications
Required
Education & Experience
- Completed or in-progress master’s degree in international development, disability studies, public health, inclusive education, social work, public policy, human rights, or a related field.
Licenses and Certifications
- Valid driver’s license (if travel becomes necessary).
BENEFITS:
Ability to Commute:
- Alexandria, VA 22314 (Required)
Work Location: In person
