Immigration Intern Spring/Summer 2024 Unpaid

TITLE:Immigration Intern Spring/ Summer 2024
LOCATION:Wichita, KS - In person
DURATION:Spring 2024 semester with the possibility of Summer 2024
POSITION REPORTS TO:Accredited Representative
HOURS:Part time 15-20 hours

Please note that this is an unpaid position.

Organization description:

The mission of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933, the IRC has a presence in over 40 countries and 24 offices in the United States. In 2011, IRC opened its office in Wichita and provides services to the most vulnerable and at-risk families living in our community. Immigration, refugee resettlement, comprehensive case management for victims of human trafficking and family stability programs are some of the available programs. Services include English language classes, financial literacy, job-readiness training, employment service and credit building programs, after-school peer youth program and civic engagement.

Job Overview:

Immigration is a unique area of law where for decades, non-lawyers have been able to seek authorization (accreditation) to represent individuals in immigration proceedings before administrative agencies. Under federal regulations, several individuals-including non-lawyers-may engage in the practice of immigration law. Organizations that have been "recognized" by the Department of Justice (DOJ) can seek authorization on behalf of an individual to be "accredited" to practice immigration law. The immigration intern will work with the DOJ accredited representative on immigration matters related to the needs of the clients and community.

Major Responsibilities:

• Provide general (not individualized) information on areas of law and procedure, such as eligibility requirements for adjustment of status or naturalization and application procedures.
• Complete application forms based on information provided by clients in a pro-se workshop or after an individual eligibility determination has been completed by an accredited representative.
• Notify clients of follow-up information such as receipt of appointment notices, requests for evidence, and oath ceremonies.
• Respond to requests for case status updates from clients (e.g., timelines for interviews or decisions on cases).
• Assist with case management tasks, such as entering client information into ETO and updating client casefiles.
• Conduct intake and/or completing service agreements (see below for additional guidelines on direct communications with clients.
• Research Immigration related topics.
• Perform regular and periodic reviews of DHS issued policy, announcements of changes to rules and regulations to keep up to date on the latest DHS directives that impact the populations served by IRC.
• Facilitate the development of training materials for clients; develop program materials and contribute to standardization of programming.
• Conduct community outreach.

• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred experience & skills:

• Experience in an immigration related field preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as, an overall ability to be clear and concise in all communications
• Strong organizational and time-management skills; proven ability to prioritize and deliver on time
• Strong analytic problem-solving skills
• Ability to work both independently and in a dynamic team structure
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office suite and internet research
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a culturally diverse environment with clients and team-members.
• Ability to manage and work through change in a proactive and positive manner.

• Fluency in written and spoken English; bilingual candidates will be prioritized.

Working Environment.
Standard in office work environment

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.