Refugee Family Support Services Intern at the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants

The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants seeks a Family Support Services Intern to assist with workshops and events to help refugee families adjust to life in the United States. The position includes outreach, workshop facilitation, administrative work, direct contact with clients and community members, and close collaboration with staff. This is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable families in your community, and to gain experience in program management, social work, and the field of refugee resettlement.

For more information about possible educational grants, read below.

The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants has been helping people flee war and persecution since 1911. USCRI addresses the needs and rights of persons in forced or voluntary migration worldwide by advancing fair and humane public policy, facilitating and providing direct professional services, and promoting the full participation of migrants in community life.

Through its network of resettlement field offices and partner organizations, USCRI provides refugees and immigrants across the United States with the support, services and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives and enrich their communities.

The USCRI field office in Albany opened in 2005 and now resettles hundreds of refugee families every year in the Capitol Region of New York State. The largest populations served by the Albany field office are Burmese, Iraqi, Afghan, Congolese, and Bhutanese refugees. The Albany field office also has an immigration and asylum services program that serves not only refugee clients and their families, but asylum seekers and immigrants from the wider community as well.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Participate at least once in the Relationship Enhancement 8 hours workshop
- coordinate childcare volunteers for workshops.
- Prepare workshop materials; help to set up workshop space, videotape workshops when required
- Update client records and help maintain accurate attendee tracking 
- Organize special events and workshops on topics related to maintaining strong, healthy families
- Assist with making appointments for clients with Family Support Services Coordinator
- Network with community organizations to raise awareness about refugees and the Family Support Services Program
- Help facilitate workshops when required

TERMS AND CONDITIONS 
• For Summer 2011, this position requires a minimum commitment of 10 weeks, 25 hours per week. Preference is given to candidates who can work 30-40 hours for 4-6 months. 
• All USCRI Albany internships are unpaid. Interns are responsible for all living expenses during the internship period. 
• With a 300 working hour commitment applicants may qualify for an Americorps Educational Award of $1000. Only applicable for U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS 
REQUIRED 
• Acquiring or having already acquired a Bachelor’s Degree in the social sciences, international relations, law/justice, human rights, or related field required. 
• Must speak, read, and write English fluently and at a university level. 
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and other Windows applications and have experience with Internet research and databases. 
• Must have excellent organizational, time-management, follow-up, and administrative skills with a strong attention to detail. 
• Must have excellent communication skills on telephone, via email, and in person 
• Must be capable of working in a fast-paced, multicultural office environment, take initiative, and be able to handle multiple assignments at once and meet deadlines. 
• Commitment to the human rights and general welfare of asylum seekers, refugees and immigrants.

DESIRED, BUT NOT REQUIRED 
• A personal vehicle is extremely helpful with this position. Applicants who have and are willing to use their car will be given preference. 
• Strong candidates will have previous internship experience in non-governmental or inter-governmental organizations. 
• Candidates who are fluent in a second language in addition to English are highly desired. Preference will be given to speakers of: Arabic, Burmese, Farsi/Dari, Pashto, Karen, Nepali, French, and Russian. 
• Solid understanding of international relations, immigration law, refugee law, human rights and public interest legal work. 
• Experience with victims of torture or torture-related issues.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to Jen Barkan, Resource Manager, at info@uscri-albany.org.

Please indicate in your cover letter the time frame and number of hours per week you would be available for the internship.

If you are interested in being considered for more than one internship with USCRI Albany, please indicate this in your cover letter; there is no need to submit multiple applications.

Some positions are very competitive, please apply early. For positions starting in August or September applications will be reviewed in the first week of August.

Position will remain open until filled.