Immigration Intern

Job Description

Please note: This is an unpaid internship position. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available.

In addition to completing this application, interested applicants should email a resume, cover letter, and two letters of recommendation to [email protected] with “Immigration Intern” in the subject line.

BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. In the U.S., the IRC resettles approximately 11,000 refugees per year and provides numerous program services to assist the refugee from their arrival through citizenship. The IRC in Salt Lake City opened it office in 1994, and provides resettlement services through extended case management to newly arrived refugees for up to 24-months as well as over twenty different programs to educate and empower refugees.

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK: The Immigration Program at IRC in Salt Lake City assists New American clients during all stages of their immigration process. This includes assisting refugees, asylees, and all other documented immigrants with obtaining or replacing their immigration documents, petitioning to bring clients’ family members to the U.S. from abroad, and adjusting clients’ statuses to permanent resident or citizen. The IRC SLC also provides comprehensive support to clients applying for US citizenship: offering administrative support, education, and one-on-one coaching to help prepare clients for the application process. Under the supervision of the Immigration Team, the Immigration & Citizenship Intern will play a crucial role in working with clients at all stages of their immigration process. The Intern will assist with case filing and documentation, communication with clients, and researching basic immigration case law.

COMMITMENT: 12 weeks starting in January 2022 with option to extend, 20-30 hours per week.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manage Immigration Case Files and Documentation

• Compile case notes and enter data into tracking systems.

• Contact clients regarding their case and upcoming appointments.

• Assist with completing case file intake and applications with clients.

Administrate the Citizenship Preparation Classes

• Conduct intake and assessments of program participants.

• Connect program participants to a program volunteer for weekly instruction.

• Provide direction, support and supervision to program volunteers.

• Enter data into program’s information systems and track progress of program participants.

Other duties as assigned, including:

• Assist with completion of program grant requests and reports.

• Conduct community outreach for immigration program.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• The Intern will gain a broad understanding of the U.S. Immigration system, Immigration law and its interaction with and effect on New Americans.

• The Intern will gain a broad understanding of systems used to track client’s records with USCIS and other agencies that handle immigration related documents.

• The Intern will utilize and improve both written and verbal communication skills and increase cultural understanding as they interact with New Americans of all languages and cultural backgrounds.

• The Intern will gain broad knowledge in writing legal briefs and researching law.

• The Intern will be able to demonstrate and understand the importance of client confidentiality.

• The Intern will have knowledge of the U.S. mail system.

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• This internship is fully in-person – it is required for the intern to be in the office for the majority of the internship hours.

• Interest in immigration, law or international studies is a plus (not required).

• Available to utilize personal vehicle or public transportation to work from the IRC SLC office.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Experience working with diverse populations, preferred.

• Second language is a plus (not required).

• Basic understanding of Microsoft Suite.

This is an unpaid internship position. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available.

Interested applicants should email a resume, cover letter, and two letters of recommendation to [email protected] with “Immigration Intern” in the subject line.

IRC POLICIES & ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires candidates who are selected for interview to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for any in-person role/position.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.