Asylum Program Support Intern (Unpaid)

Responsibilities

• Assist in the coordination and facilitation of group orientations for potential IRC asylum seeker program clients
• Collaborate with staff to develop program materials and resources
• Support client enrollment into programs for which they qualify
• Conduct research on referral opportunities and available resources in New York City to enhance our support service network
• Provide support to caseworkers with connecting clients to external services
• Maintain and organize referral records and databases, incorporating client feedback
• Document client interactions in accordance with established requirements
• Maintain client files across multiple platforms (Box, ETO, Sharepoint, etc)
• Administer Client Satisfaction Surveys to individuals who have exited Asylum Seeker Programs
• Support with creating internal and external facing tools and resources

Requirements

• Must be based in US and must be enrolled in post-secondary institution or have graduated from a post-secondary institution within last 2 years
• Education – Interns should be enrolled into a university program (Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, etc)
• Individuals with at least 2 years of direct services would will be considered regardless of educational background
• Strong interest in immigration issues, social justice, and advocacy work
• Excellent research and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, multi-lingual team environment
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and online research tools
• Previous experience in social services, community work, immigration, or related fields is a plus, but not required
• Comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Ability to engage in emotional conversations on sensitive topics such as labor trafficking, domestic violence, and family separation

Learning Objectives

• Gain valuable insight into the current landscape for asylum seekers in NYC, including the legal process and social services available
• Develop hands-on experience in providing trauma-informed direct support to asylum seekers, enhancing their understanding of client needs and service delivery within the immigration system
• Develop skills and institutional knowledge related to program operations and administration in a new and developing area of programming at the IRC in NY

Professional Standards

• Adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct
• Operate and enforce policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation
• Create an environment where people feel safe, and take necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs
• Promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients

Compensation and Benefits

• Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget
• In the US, this includes: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles