Title: Asylum Seeker Programming Intern
Location: New York, New York RAI – Asylum Seeker Programming
Duration: 3-4 months (End of Nov – December)
Position Reports To: Daniel Mesta, Program Support Specialist
SCOPE OF WORK: The International Rescue Committee (IRC), works in the United States welcomes newly arrived refugees and immigrants, supports them in their resettlement, and provides holistic services to help them build new lives in their communities. The IRC in New York is seeking interns to support a case management program for asylum seekers in New York City. Interns will support program staff in providing services to recent arrivals in NYC, including assistance accessing healthcare, public benefits, housing, and legal services. The interns’ key responsibilities will include assisting with group program orientations, conducting referral research and engagement to connect clients to external services, and support with other key program operations. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in immigration advocacy while making a meaningful impact in the lives of asylum seekers and migrants.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Program Orientation Support
- 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
- Refer ineligible clients to community resources such as local departments of social services, shelters, food banks, crisis centers, and others as applicable
Referral Research and Support
- 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
- Help maintain and organize referral records and databases, incorporating client feedback
Program Administration and Development
- 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
- Other duties as assigned.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Interns will gain valuable insight into the current landscape for asylum seekers in NYC, including the legal process and social services available.
- Interns will 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.
- Interns will develop skills and institutional knowledge related to program operations and administration in a new and developing area of programming at the IRC in NY.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Interns 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
- Languages: Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Spanish required, will also consider French, Pashto, Dari, Russian, Wolof, Pulaar, Farsi