Immigration Intern - Unpaid

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.