Asylum Seeker Legal Team Intern (Unpaid)

The Asylum Seeker Legal Services Intern will assist immigration legal staff in providing services to asylum seekers and other immigrants. The intern will work closely with immigration staff to draft applications and provide follow-up communication to clients, as well as perform clerical and administrative duties to maintain client files.

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.
• Provide translation and interpretation when necessary.
• Other related duties as assigned.

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.
• Proficiency in Spanish required.
• Languages desired but not required: French, 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.

Skills

• Legal Research
• Application Drafting
• Client Communication
• File Management
• Data Tracking
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Multicultural Competence
• Independent Work
• Attention to Detail
• Immigration Law
• Clerical Support

Languages

English, Spanish, French, Dari, Pashto, Arabic