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. The IRC’s Immigration Program provides services to refugees, asylees and other immigrants in the Seattle area.

Scope of Internship: 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: Hybrid (remote and in-person) IRC Seattle Office is located at 1200 S. 192nd Street, Suite 101, SeaTac WA 98148.

Time Committment: 16 hours (2 full days) per week during IRC office hours (M-F, 9am-5pm). Regular schedule required either Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays. Minimum 6-month commitment. Position begins early June.

Essential Position Functions:

  • 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
  • Notify clients via telephone, email or mailings about matters related to their applications
  • Assist clients with additional necessary procedures, such as requests for evidence and follow-up advocacy
  • Assist Immigration staff with paperwork, record-keeping and filing
  • Other administrative and general office support as needed.

Skills/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 diverse 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, Kinyarwanda, Kiswahili, Pashto, Somali, or Urdu
  • Willingness to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies

Reports to: Resettlement Program Manager/Immigration Specialist and Immigration Assistants

Updated: February 2022

Please note, all interns are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This is an unpaid internship.

 

Apply:

1. Please email [email protected] with a resume and cover letter

2. Please fill out an internship application