Asylum Seeker Legal Services Intern (unpaid)

Intern: Asylum Seeker Legal Services

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.

Scope Of Intern Work

The Asylum Seeker Legal Services Intern will assist immigration legal staff in providing services to asylum seekers and other immigrants. (S)he will work closely with immigration staff to draft applications (such as Asylum, Employment Authorization, TPS, etc.) and provide follow-up communication to clients. The intern will also perform a series of clerical and administrative duties to ensure client files are kept up to date.

Responsibilities

• Assist immigration staff in providing services to clients, including setting up legal consultations and drafting immigration applications under the supervision of an immigration attorney.

• Perform research on various immigration issues.

• Assist staff with sorting and filing of documents and case files.

• Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy.

• Display sensitivity to cultural and personality differences of clients. Respect their beliefs and values.

• Perform follow-up communication to clients.

• Provide translation and interpretation when necessary.

• Other related duties as assigned.

Learning Objectives

• Student will learn about U.S. immigration law.

• Student will develop problem solving and client services skills.

• Student will learn how to manage client cases within established deadlines.

Requirements

• Minimum 15 hours per week; preference for those that can work 35+ hours.

• Undergraduate level studies in social sciences, international relations or a related field or current law student.

• Languages desired but not required: Spanish, French, Dari/Pashto, Arabic.

• Strong desire to help immigrants in New York.

• Ability to work independently, exercise good judgement, and have high attention to detail.

• Competency in Microsoft Office, data tracking, and file management.

• Effective communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

• Patience, understanding, flexibility, and an unceasingly positive attitude.

• Willing to learn about IRC history, philosophy, global work, and local efforts.

• Willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies.