Summer 2024: Immigration Intern (Unpaid)

Requisition ID: req51039

Job Title: Summer 2024: Immigration Intern (Unpaid)

Sector: Immigration & Citizenship

Employment Category: Intern

Employment Type: Part-Time

Open to Expatriates: No

Location: San Diego, CA USA

Work Arrangement: In-person

Job Description

*Please note: this is an unpaid internship. This position is anticipated to start in May 2024.*

In-person, hybrid, and fully remote positions available, but a preference will be for in-person applicants.

IRC BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading organization providing relief, protection, and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression throughout the U.S. IRC in San Diego has resettled over 31,000 refugees to San Diego County over the past 48 years and provides numerous program services. In San Diego, the IRC opened its doors in 1975 and has grown to serve approximately 7,000 refugee and immigrant individuals from 115 countries of origin each year through 5 different departments. 

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK: Intern will work with Immigration staff to assist with current and new client cases. Intern will provide support for Immigration Legal Staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Enter data into Case Management Software (ETO) and other tracking systems
• Work directly with Immigration Staff to assist with case follow-ups
• Conduct research projects to assist with cases
• Conduct research to assist with community outreach and other program development goals
• Conduct administrative projects to support casework

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Intern will gain a deeper understanding of current U.S. Immigration systems
• Intern will receive training and acquire knowledge of U.S. Immigration application
  processes procedures, as well as eligibility requirements for various applications etc.
• Intern will develop research skills and ability to concisely summarize findings for workplace use

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• Currently enrolled in an accredited Law School or Graduate Program; recently earned undergraduate
  degree. Prior volunteer experience with the IRC Immigration Department preferred
• Attention to detail
• Ability to take direction (written and oral) and to complete tasks independently
• Must be punctual and dependable (regular attendance required); Minimum 15 hours per week
• Prior customer service experience and/or the ability to work well with others of varied backgrounds
• Proficiency in a second language (especially Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, Cantonese, Dari, Farsi,
  French, Karen, Khmer, Mandarin, Pashto, Spanish, Somali, Swahili, Urdu, or Vietnamese)
• No driving requirement
  
• Time Commitment: 4 months, minimum 15 hours per week (240 hour minimum total)

This position reports to the Senior Legal Representatives.

Compensation: This is an unpaid internship opportunity. 

Working Environment: 

• The Immigration Program Internship has in-person (City Heights Office), hybrid, and fully remote options. Preference will be given to in-person applications.
• San Diego Office hours are scheduled Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm PST. Selected interns can choose their hours (minimum 15 hours/week) based on this window of availability.  

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. 

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.