Immigration Program Intern

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ABOUT THE IRC:

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading non-sectarian non-profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. The 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 26U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our 26offices across the U.S. work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency, and ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing.

IRC SAN JOSE:

As one of the IRC’s 26 domestic offices, the San Jose office serves refugees, asylees, special immigrants from Iraq and Afghanistan, and victims of human trafficking in Santa Clara County. Since opening in 1975, the San Jose office has resettled over 20,000 refugees, who in turn have helped to build a stronger community. A committed staff of professionals and volunteers provide essential case management and immigration services to immigrant families, providing them with the resources and tools to rebuild their lives with safety and dignity.

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK:

Immigration Interns work with Immigration Program Caseworkers to directly assist clients with the processing and filing of applications for lawful permanent residence, family reunification, affidavits of relationship, and other immigration petitions necessary to receive legal residency in the United States and reunite family members.

COMMITMENT:

Minimum 15 hours perweek, minimum 4 month commitment with a courtesy notice of at least two weeks prior to leaving the organization.. Hours can be completed during normal business hours of Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 4 pm. Late afternoon and weekend availability may be requested for events.

This internship is unpaid.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS:

• Set-up and conduct intake and immigration interviews with assistance from immigration staff and help translate for immigration caseworkers.
• Prepare and complete immigration applications and petitions on behalf of refugees, asylees, and immigrants for submission to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Conduct follow-up, including written and telephone communication with USCIS and respond to requests for further evidence and inquiries.
• Maintain case files by copying, faxing, and inputting information in immigration case management database.
• Notify clients of USCIS interviews; ensure they have immunization records, photos, and other required documents complete and available for the interview.
• Assist the Director to complete Affidavits of Relationship for family reunification; manage case files and client communication.
• Conduct community outreach to refugee and immigrant population.
• Assist with projects and administrative duties as assigned by the Immigration Program Caseworker.

REQUIREMENTS:

We require that candidates have the following qualities:

• Fluency in Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, Amharic, Tigrinya, Arabic, Farsi, or Vietnamese strongly preferred, not required
• Solidly reliable with strong attention to timeliness
• Excellent communication skills (both interpersonal and with supervisors)
• Possess a great attention to detail and be truly organized
• Have a strong sense of personal initiative and be able to work independently in a fast-paced office.
• An interest in international and refugee issues
• Computer literacy with PC systems
• Minimum of 2 years of completed undergraduate experience

REWARDS:

• Interns will gain familiarity in cross-cultural training techniques
• Candidates will gain skills in the development and naturalization process.

This position reports to the Immigration Caseworker

APPLYING:

Apply by sending your resume and a cover letter as a single Word document, titled "Immigration Services Internship", to the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteerSJ@rescue.org

Cover letters should clearly state your time availability, which includes 1) specific projected start and end dates, 2) the number of hours you are available each week, and 3) the days and times in which you are available.