Immigration Intern - Unpaid

International Rescue Committee • Part-time • Boise, ID, United States • 4d ago

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.

Please Note: This is an unpaid position. This position may be considered an internship for school credit, depending on your school policies and requirements. If this is desired, please indicate so when applying.

BACKGROUND: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. IRC teams provide health, infrastructure, learning and economic support to people in 40 countries worldwide. The IRC also provides support to thousands of refugees and survivors of human trafficking in 29 U.S. cities each year through initial housing assistance; case management and referral services; job readiness and placement; community and cultural orientation; health and wellness programs; immigration services; and youth programs.

SCOPE OF VOLUNTEER WORK: The IRC’s Immigration Program provides services to refugees, asylees and other immigrants in the Boise area. The Immigration Intern will assist immigration staff and work one-on-one with clients applying for adjustment of status (Green Cards), United States citizenship, family reunification petitions and other immigration benefits. This position may be of particular interest to law students or those pursuing other immigration-related fields, although a legal background or previous immigration experience is not a requirement. This internship is a great opportunity to gain professional experience in a multi-cultural, social service setting.

LOCATION: IRC Boise Office, 7291 W Franklin Road, Boise ID, 83709

TIME COMMITMENT: Minimum 15 hours/week during IRC office hours (M-F, 9am-5pm). Regular schedule required. Minimum 4 month commitment.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS:
Notify clients via telephone, email or mailings about matters related to their applications
Assist Immigration staff with paperwork, record-keeping and filing
Other administrative and general office support as needed
Conduct initial eligibility assessments of potential applicants
Help with research, data collection and grant writing for the Immigration Department
Assist with data entry and reporting in various software programs
Support staff with accurate completion of application forms for clients
Assist clients with additional necessary procedures, such as requests for evidence and follow-up advocacy

Reports to: Managing Attorney, Immigration Accredited Representatives, and Immigration Assistants Minimum Qualifications:

This internship is for undergraduate students, graduate students, or recent college graduates
Strong intercultural communication skills; demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from various backgrounds and across language barriers
Must be willing to learn & grow familiar with new software programs
Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially
Strong organizational skills, time management skills and attention to detail
Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
Comfortable working in high-stress environments; must be adaptable, flexible, and patient
Familiarity with Windows operating system and confidence in basic computer skills (word processing, email, data entry); willingness to learn new software
Ability to communicate fluently in English; additional fluency in one of the following languages desirable, but not required: Arabic, Burmese, Dari, Farsi, French, Kinyarwanda, Kiswahili, Pashto, Somali, Spanish, Ukrainian, or Urdu
Willingness to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies

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.

Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.