Immigration Services Intern - Fall 2019

Save to Favorites

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 26 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our 26 offices 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:

Interns work with Immigration Program Caseworkers to directly assist clients with the processing and filing of applications for citizenship, 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.

This position reports to the Immigration Coordinator.

COMMITMENT:

Minimum 15 hours per week for 4-6 months, with a courtesy notice of at least 2 weeks prior to leaving the organization. Hours can be completed during normal business hours of Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Late afternoon and weekend availability may be requested for events. Work-related driving would be reimbursed.

This internship is unpaid.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS:

• Coordinate immigration interviews with staff and help translate for 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 and ensure they have immunization records, photos, and other required documents prepared for the interview
• Assist the Director to complete Affidavits of Relationship for family reunification by managing casefiles 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:

• Proficiency in other languages highly desirable (i.e. Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Arabic, Tigrinya, Farsi, Dari, Pashto, or Swahili)
• Must be reliable and willing to work independently and as part of a team
• Must be flexible and willing to help other teams and departments as needed
• A willingness to learn about the diverse ethnic backgrounds of clients and adhere to IRC volunteer/intern and workplace policies
• Ability and willingness to drive clients to and from appointments, and/or help teach clients to take public transportation. Work-related driving would be reimbursed.
• Perform front-of-office reception and administrative tasks while in office
• An interest in international, refugee, and human rights issues
• Enrollment in a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree program
• Fluency in Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, or Vietnamese strongly preferred
• Reliable with a strong attention to timeliness, detail, and organization
• Excellent communication skills (both interpersonal and with supervisors)
• Have a strong sense of personal initiative and can work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Computer literacy with PC systems
• Minimum of 2 years of completed undergraduate experience

REWARDS:

• Gain familiarity in cross-cultural training techniques
• Gain skills in the development and naturalization process

APPLY:

• Complete an online application here : http://bit.ly/IRCVolunteerApplicationSJ
  • Applications must include a resume and cover letter in a single PDF file. Please tailor your cover letter to include the following:
    • Up to three positions of interest ranked in order of preference
    • Time availability, i.e. specific days and times each week, your anticipated start and end dates for interning, and your immediate interview availability, if different from internship availability
    • Any requirements for filing your internship for school credit, e.g. total number of hours to be completed or filing deadline
    • Once your application is received, qualified candidates will be invited to schedule a phone screening

For more information on the application process and timeline, visit our internship page at https://www.rescue.org/announcement/fall-internships-san-jose-2018