Description
The Children's Legal Services (CLS) Intern will assist CLS staff in providing services to unaccompanied youth who entered the U.S. without a parent or legal guardian and who face deportation/removal in immigration court proceedings.
The intern will work closely with CLS staff to assist with case management, monitoring status of immigration court removal proceedings, conduct country conditions factual research to support asylum and other immigration applications, draft immigration application(s) (e.g., Employment Authorization) and provide follow-up communication and other client services which may include supporting clients with research and referrals that the social services navigator is exploring on the client(s)' behalf. The intern will perform a series of clerical and administrative duties to ensure client files are kept up to date.
Responsibilities:
- Assist CLS staff in providing services to clients, including setting up consultations and drafting immigration applications under the supervision of an immigration attorney.
- Perform research on various factual, legal and social service issues.
- Assist staff with monitoring status of clients' immigration court removal proceedings.
- Assist staff with sorting, scanning and filing documents in 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 occasional translation and interpretation (if the intern is fluent in written and spoken Spanish).
- Other related duties as assigned.
Learning Objectives:
- Intern will learn about U.S. immigration law in the context of unaccompanied minors and youth.
- Intern will develop problem solving and client services skills.
- Intern will learn how to manage client cases within established deadlines.
Requirements:
- Minimum 15 hours or up to 37.5 per week; preference for those that can work 37.5 hours.
- Undergraduate level studies or equivalent experience in public service community work.
- Spanish language proficiency is a plus but is not required.
- Strong desire to help immigrant youth in Maryland.
- Ability to work independently, exercise good judgment, 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 a positive attitude.
- Willingness to learn about IRC history, philosophy, global work, and local efforts.
- Adherence to IRC code of conduct, volunteer and workplace policies.