Asylum Seeker Legal Intern

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK:

The Asylum Seeker Immigration Department Intern will assist immigration staff in providing pro se legal assistance to asylum seekers. They will work closely with immigration staff to draft applications, schedule consultations, and more. The intern will also perform a series of clerical and administrative duties to ensure client files are kept up to date.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assist immigration staff in providing services to clients, including setting up legal consultations and drafting immigration applications under the supervision of an immigration attorney.

• Perform research on various immigration issues
• Assist staff with sorting and filing of documents and case files.
• Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy.
• Display sensitivity to cultural and personality differences of clients. Respect their beliefs and values.
• Perform follow-up communication to clients and inform them about the status of their cases and explain processing delays.
• Prepare change of address forms with USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) as needed.
• Provide translation and interpretation when necessary.
• Other related duties as assigned.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Student will learn about U.S. immigration law
Student will develop problem solving and client services skills
Student will learn how to manage client cases within established deadlines

REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum 15 hours per week; preference for those that can work 35+ hours.
• Undergraduate level studies in social sciences, international relations or a related field or current law student.
• Languages proficiency strongly desired: Spanish, French, Russian, Dari/Pashto, Arabic
• Strong desire to help immigrants in New York
• Ability to work independently, exercise good judgement, and have high attention to detail.
• Competency in Microsoft Office, data tracking, and file management
• Effective communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Patience, understanding, flexibility, and an unceasingly positive attitude.
• Willing to learn about IRC history, philosophy, global work, and local efforts.
• Willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies

This position reports to the Senior Staff Attorney (Asylum Seeker Programming)