Spring 2025 Youth Services 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:

• Spring Internship: January through mid-May 2025
  (Applications requested by November 29th, 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.

Youth Services Internship Overview:

The International Institute of New England’s Youth Mentoring Program engages both refugee and US born youth between the ages of 15 and 24. The monthly mentoring meetings are conducted on a one-to-one basis and as a group during workshops or outdoor activities; with the support of trained volunteer mentors and external facilitators. Through mentoring, group workshops, individual case management or employment services, youth are supported with the aim of setting and working towards achieving individualized goals. The Youth Services Intern will support in the recruitment process and enrollment of eligible youth, if necessary; workshop implementation; and communication with either youths/families or mentors. The Youth Services Inter will also attend and support in the set-up of events, including arts and crafts, tutoring, ESOL support, yoga, sports events, and profession/personal development workshops. S/he will also support data-entry in IINE’s in-house database and provide logistical support for the program, as needed.

Reports To: Youth Program Specialist

Location: Lowell, MA(hybrid format)

Scheduling: Ability to commit to a flexible scheduling one afternoon/evening (until 6:00 PM) due to program schedule, highly desirable

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the recruitment, assessment, and enrollment of Youth Program participants
• Assist in developing workshop activities to support youth to meet educational, career, and personal goals
• Assist during workshops in group setting and by supporting one-to-one mentoring
• Assist with partnered programs, such as MassHire’s WIOA program
• Support clients and corresponding administrative tasks
• Support data-entry and logistical support
• Assist in the preparation of workshop materials and activities
• Assist clients in developing resumes, cover letters and in applying for jobs, as needed
• Assist the Youth Specialist in providing case management support to youth, as needed
• Conduct information sessions and intakes
• Create media and fliers to send to youth
• Provide general administrative assistance to the Youth Program Specialist

Qualifications:

• Interest in international, refugee, asylee, and/or immigrant issues
• Experience speaking with non-native English speakers/non-English speakers
• Professionalism, discretion, and maturity in dealing with confidential information
• A background in youth work or youth development is highly desired
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Highly organized with great attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand eligibility requirements for successful screening of potential youth participants; assess candidates for suitability/motivation through interviews
2. Identify and access community resources and services, particularly those responsive to the goals, interests, and needs of refugee youth
3. Hone skills to create compelling workshop materials (handouts, PowerPoint presentations)
4. Navigate IINE’s database and filing system in order to maintain client information with accuracy and confidentiality
5. 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.
6. Respectfully express and engage with ideas and values in a multicultural, multilingual environment.