Refugee Services Intern/ Volunteer

About The Organization

Catholic Charities of Onondaga County provides compassionate, community-based services that support individuals and families in need throughout Central New York. The Refugee Services program assists newly arrived refugees as they rebuild their lives by providing case management, health services, youth programming, education support, and community integration resources.

Direct Service Opportunities

• Aid in greeting clients and assisting with front desk sign-in and visitor coordination
• Support the youth program with community service projects, recreational activities, field trips, and academic support
• Assist with evening or weekend programs such as health education workshops, vaccine clinics, or youth events
• Accompany staff and clients to appointments (e.g., DMV, Social Security, healthcare visits, DSS)
• Support cultural events and community activities with refugee support groups
• Tutor clients in English language learning or citizenship preparation
• Help clients read and understand mail or complete paperwork
• Accompany clients to immigration appointments
• Accompany children walking to or from school when needed
• Accompany staff on client home visits
• Support case managers working with high-need clients, including elderly individuals or those with medical or mental health needs
• Support public health staff during weekly vaccine or green card medical clinics

Indirect Service Opportunities

• Filing and organizing office paperwork
• Making copies of documents and proofreading applications
• Helping organize and maintain office and program spaces
• Sorting donated clothing and maintaining the clothing closet
• Cooking and serving meals at community events
• Coordinating and organizing community donations (bikes, clothing, furniture)

Qualifications

• Interest in working with refugee and immigrant communities
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills
• Reliable, organized, and compassionate
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Must complete Volunteer & Safe Environment Training

Preferred but not required

• Fluency in additional languages
• Experience in tutoring, youth programs, or community outreach

Time Commitment

Volunteers typically contribute several hours per week or per month. Some evening or weekend availability may be helpful for events or programs.

Learning Outcomes

• Gain experience in Refugee resettlement and community integration
• Gain experience in Social service program operations
• Gain experience in Cross-cultural communication
• Gain experience in Public health and community outreach
• Gain experience in Nonprofit program support

Equal Opportunity Employer

Catholic Charities is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building on our foundation of a diverse workforce; and fostering an inclusive environment that encourages the recruitment and engagement of a workforce that fully represents the community we serve. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race (including traits historically associated with race), color, creed, sex/gender (including pregnancy), age, disability, religion, national origin, citizenship, military/veteran status, marital status, familial status, prior arrest/conviction record, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, status of being transgender, ancestry, domestic violence victim status, predisposing genetic characteristics or carrier status, reproductive health decision making, or any other basis prohibited by law.