Summer 2024 Community Services & School Impact Intern (IINE Manchester)

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 Manchester, NH office are required.

Community Services and School Impact Overview

The community services team provides case management and services to newly arrived refugees, asylees and other clients for up to 5 years. During this time, the School Impact staff enrolls kids in school, after school and summer programs, as well as facilitate communication between school staff and parents. Staff will also familiarize families with the American education system. Interns assist the School Impact Case Specialist by checking in with clients by phone, helping clients understand school transportation, other school services, and ensuring clients understand available resources through cultural orientation workshops.

Reports to: School Impact Case Specialist

Location: Manchester, NH (hybrid format)

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist staff with case management responsibilities including:
  • Ensure clients are familiar with their child/children’s school route
  • Assist with filing school related paperwork
  • Accompany/transport clients to school orientations and/or meetings
  • Ensure the client’s data is accurate and up to date in internal database
• Conduct cultural and school orientation workshops for recently arrived refugees
• Work in tandem with IINE Case Specialists to develop service plans that address family needs
• Provide general administrative assistance to the Community Services team and other case management staff as necessary

Qualifications:

• Interest in international, refugee, asylee, and/or immigrant issues
• Patience speaking with non-native English speakers / non-English speakers
• Professionalism, discretion, and maturity in dealing with confidential information
• Experience advocating on behalf of others
• Language skills in Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Swahili or French highly desirable
• Highly organized with great attention to detail
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Driver’s license and car required

Learning Objectives:

1. Familiarize yourself with the American Education System
2. Gain knowledge in New Hampshire school district enrollment processes
3. Recognize common challenges faced by immigrant and refugee populations
4. Develop strong advocacy and people skills
5. Identify best practices associated with case management and how to effectively conduct client meetings
6. Capture important information from meetings and check-ins in concise case notes
7. Identify and access community resources and services, particularly those that cater to the needs of refugees and immigrants.
8. Understand the US Refugee Resettlement program, as well as what part resettlement agencies like the International Institute of New England play in receiving and integrating refugees.