Intern - Virtual Reception & Placement Program

Job Posting Organization:
The organization behind the Virtual Reception & Placement (VR&P) Program is dedicated to expanding access to essential resettlement services for newly arrived refugees. This program utilizes a remote case management model that integrates digital tools, interpretation support, and personalized guidance to assist clients in navigating critical areas such as housing, benefits, employment, and community integration. The organization aims to ensure that refugees can access necessary services regardless of their location, thereby enhancing their ability to settle and thrive in their new environments. The VR&P Program is part of a broader initiative to provide timely information and support to refugees and community partners through the Virtual Resettlement Line, which serves as a centralized contact point for accessing resettlement services. The organization is committed to inclusivity and support for all eligible populations under the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Virtual Reception & Placement Program is designed to provide essential administrative and client support under the supervision of the Program Director of Virtual Services. The intern will play a vital role in maintaining accurate case notes, responding to client assistance needs, and offering interpretation and translation support as required. This position is crucial for ensuring effective communication and coordination within the Virtual Services team, contributing to the overall success of the program. The intern will also assist in project administration, helping to streamline processes and enhance service delivery. This role is particularly focused on providing support to refugees and ensuring they receive the necessary guidance and resources to facilitate their resettlement journey. The intern will gain valuable insights into the workings of refugee resettlement and the challenges faced by diverse populations in accessing services remotely.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks that are essential to the functioning of the Virtual Reception & Placement program. Key responsibilities include:

• Providing administrative assistance, which involves maintaining case notes, filing cases, and supporting the team with various administrative tasks.
• Assisting with direct client support by preparing resources and making appropriate referrals.
• Offering interpretation and translation support for clients during virtual appointments and in written communications, with a focus on Dari and/or Pashto.
• Supporting the Virtual Resettlement Line by responding to inquiries, tracking client requests, and escalating urgent cases as necessary.
• Assisting in the development of resource guides, FAQs, and communication materials to inform clients and community partners about available services.
• Supporting program administration through reporting, tracking service delivery metrics, and organizing client and partner feedback.
• Contributing to team coordination by assisting with scheduling, taking meeting notes, and preparing materials for training sessions or program updates.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for this internship should possess a range of skills and competencies that are essential for success in this role. These include the ability to perform duties independently, excellent communication skills, and fluency in Dari and/or Pashto, with multilingual skills being mandatory. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are crucial, as the intern will need to maintain accurate records and meet deadlines. Flexibility in a fast-paced environment is important, as priorities and tasks may change rapidly. The intern should also demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) is required, along with a willingness to learn new digital platforms. Cultural humility and sensitivity when working with refugee and immigrant populations are essential, as is the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a remote team setting. While prior experience in social services, international development, or refugee resettlement is preferred, it is not mandatory; lived experience is also highly valued. Maintaining client confidentiality is a critical aspect of this role.

Educational Background:
While specific educational requirements are not explicitly stated, candidates are generally expected to have a background that supports their ability to perform the duties outlined in the internship. This may include coursework or experience related to social services, international development, or refugee studies. A commitment to understanding the complexities of refugee resettlement and the challenges faced by diverse populations is essential.

Experience:
The level of experience required for this internship is flexible. While prior experience in social services, international development, or refugee resettlement is preferred, it is not a strict requirement. The organization values lived experience and recognizes that individuals with personal insights into the refugee experience can bring valuable perspectives to the role. The internship is designed to provide professional experience, making it suitable for candidates who may be new to the field but are eager to learn and contribute.

Languages:
Fluency in Dari and/or Pashto is mandatory for this position, as the intern will be providing interpretation and translation support for clients. Additional multilingual skills are considered advantageous and may enhance the intern's ability to communicate effectively with a broader range of clients and community partners.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and no financial compensation, including relocation expenses, is available. The commitment for this position is a minimum of three months, starting in September, with an expectation of 20 hours of work per week. The role is designed to provide valuable experience in a remote setting, and the organization is committed to equal opportunity employment, considering all applicants based on merit without discrimination.