Summer 2024 Skills Training Intern (IINE Lowell)

The International Institute of New England is a 501(c)(3) non-profit serving refugees and immigrants in Boston, MA, Lowell, MA, and Manchester, NH. The Institute offers internships to students, graduate students, and recent graduates with demonstrated interest or experience in supporting refugee, asylee, and immigrant populations. Each internship includes an educational component, through which interns contextualize their experience and reflect on their service.

All internships are unpaid and correspond roughly with the US semester system:

• Summer Internship: late May/June through August 2024
  (Applications requested by March 31^st, considered thereafter until positions are filled)

First consideration is given to applicants that can commit at least 16 hours per week over the course of the semester outlined above. Applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of whether their schedule fits the semester system; IINE makes exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Slots fill quickly and candidates are encouraged to apply earlier than the requested date above.

Please note that this internship will be a hybrid format, meaning that some in-person hours at our Lowell, MA office are required.

Skills Training Internship Overview:

IINE offers job-readiness training to youths and adults; including ESOL class, work orientation for newly arrived refugees/asylees, training in job readiness skills, and learner permit training for English Language Learners. IINE also offers an ESL-supported CNA for Success training program to help individuals launch a meaningful and sustainable career in healthcare. IINE's Skills Training intern will support the recruitment, assessment, and enrollment of participants. They will assist in the in-person or online classes, working with students one-on-one and/or in small groups. They will support data-entry in IINE's in-house database and provide logistical support for the program, as needed. The Skills Training Intern will help develop or update client resumes and cover letters for those who have completed a training program and may assist with interview practice or follow up on clients who are job placed.

Reports To: Career Services Manager

Location: Lowell, MA (hybrid format)

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the recruitment, assessment, and enrollment of skills training participants
• Assist in developing classroom activities to support language learning
• Assist in the preparation of CNA graduation
• Assist in the in-person or online classes by working one-on-one and/or in small groups
• Support data-entry and logistical program support
• Assist in the preparation of classroom materials and activities
• Assist clients one-on-one and in small groups with CNA test preparation or textbook reading
• Assist clients in developing resumes and cover letters and in applying for jobs
• Support clients with job interview practice
• Conduct information sessions and intakes
• Provide general administrative assistance

Qualifications:

• Interest in international, refugee, asylee, and/or immigrant issues
• Ability to work respectfully in a multicultural environment
• Patience speaking with non-native English speakers/non-English speakers
• A background in healthcare is not required although it will be an asset
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Highly organized with great attention to detail
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and to switch gears quickly
• Professionalism, discretion, and maturity in dealing with confidential information
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize and create strong resumes and cover letters
• Develop effective teaching/educational support skills
• Successfully navigate the application, interview, and orientation processes typical of recruitment systems used by US employers
• Identify and access community resources and services, particularly those responsive to the needs of refugees and immigrants.
• Understand the immigrant integration work and the US Refugee Resettlement program, as well as what part VOLAGs and resettlement agencies like the International Institute of New England play in receiving and integrating refugees.
• Respectfully express and engage with ideas and values in a multicultural, multilingual environment.