Immigration Legal Services Intern - Summer 2024

Requisition ID: req49191

Job Title: Immigration Legal Services Intern - Summer 2024

Sector: Immigration & Citizenship

Employment Category: Intern

Employment Type: Part-Time

Open to Expatriates: No

Location: Baltimore, MD USA

Job Description

Background
The International Rescue Committee, Inc. (IRC) helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to people forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 28 U.S cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to rebuild their lives. The IRC in Baltimore was established in 1999 and currently serves over 2,500 immigrants and refugees per year.

Scope of Work
The IRC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice to provide immigration legal services. Some of our services include filing applications for adjustment of status (i.e. green cards), naturalization, and family reunification for refugees, asylees and immigrants. Interns will learn about refugees and new cultures, working in a diverse and multi-cultural environment, experience working at an internationally recognized non-profit organization and a first-hand look at the basics of immigration processes and procedures.

Reports To
Immigration Legal Assistant or Legal Representative 

Learning Objectives
- Gain exposure to the challenges and opportunities for providing nonprofit immigration legal services.
- Learn basic policies and procedures of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
- Learn practical methods to fill out USCIS immigration forms, to organize and provide supporting documents, and to help clients write financial affidavits for fee waivers, affidavits of birth, and affidavits in response to USCIS requests for additional evidence.
- Practice and apply basic interviewing techniques to conduct client intake forms, including methods to develop trust with clients, ensure complete disclosure, and identify red flags while gathering information.

Responsibilities
- Under the guidance of IRC immigration staff, meet with clients to assist with specific applications and forms.
- Track, file and mail relevant documents, applications and notices of action; maintain immigration databases.
- Ensure that translation services for immigration processes and procedures are provided in a language that is accessible to clients during intakes and application completions.
- Assist with special research or other projects.
- Other tasks and related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

•Prior experience and/or interest working with refugees and immigrants. 
•Prior experience and/or interest in law or providing nonprofit legal services.  
•Ability to work independently and as a team member in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment. 
•Ability to learn new immigration processes quickly.  
•Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, particularly with a diverse client base.  
•Strong writing skills: ability to keep clear and accurate case notes and records.  
•Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and we-based applications (databases, Box).  
•Fluency in English required. Bilingual ability in one of the predominant languages of the local client base is desired.
 
Position Details 
• HYBRID: Summer 2024 internships will be hybrid. This includes a combination of standard office environment, remote work, and field time within the greater Baltimore area. 
• DATES: Internships start with a required in-person orientation on Friday, May 31, 2024 (approx. 10 AM – 3 PM) at the IRC Baltimore office. Regular weekly hours start the week of June 3, 2024, and will continue through August 9, 2024 (10 total weeks).
• HOURS: Internships require a minimum of 12 hours per week for 10 weeks. Weekly schedules generally include three mornings or afternoons (i.e. 9am-1pm or 1pm-5pm), to be coordinated with each supervisor. Interns should be able to come to the office at least 1–2 days per week.
• LAPTOP: Interns will be issued an IRC laptop for the duration of the internship to perform both remote and in-office responsibilities. 
• REIMBURSEMENT: Internships with the IRC in Baltimore are unpaid. University credit may be arranged. Summer 2024 interns are eligible for per diem reimbursement at the rate of $15 per day (defined as 7.5 hours) to offset the costs of food and travel of the internship. Interns may also be reimbursed for mileage driven for any approved activities (based on round-trip mileage from the IRC office). 

Application Process
•DUE DATE: apply online at www.rescue.org/careers  by 11:59 PM ET on Friday, April 12.
•INTERVIEWS: Applicants selected for interviews will be contacted to schedule interviews. Due to the volume of applications, only applicants who are selected for interviews will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted approximately April 25-29. When possible, interviews will be conducted in-person in the Baltimore office. 
•OFFERS: Applicants who have interviewed for positions can expect to receive a decision no later than May 3, 2024. Confirmations will be due by May 17th. 

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.