DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
Commonpoint Queens Resettlement & Integration Department (R&I) consists of initial resettlement, social integration and employment services programs serving refugee and other humanitarian migrant populations. The R&I Department has locations in midtown Manhattan and Elmhurst, Queens.
POSITION SUMMARY
Commonpoint Queens seeks a Refugee Resettlement Intern to assist our Initial Resettlement team staff with outreach, case management, and other resettlement services for refugees and other eligible humanitarian migrants served through programs funded by the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM), Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) and the State of New York’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). Fluency in one or more refugee languages (see below) strongly preferred.
Note, this position is unpaid but may be pursued for academic credit. We ask that applicants be available for approximately 15-20 hours per week, starting approximately June 2024 and ending approximately August 2024 (dates flexible depending on academic schedule; extension possible).
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Undergoes training with Commonpoint Queens Resettlement & Integration staff.
- Supports case managers in the provision of direct services, enrollment in public benefits and referral to social service providers in New York City, Westchester County and Long Island under the Reception and Placement (R&P), Preferred Communities (PC) ,MG and New York State Enhanced Services for Refugees (NYSESRP).
- Assists with preparation for and facilitation of virtual or in-person Cultural Orientation Workshops, which orient newly arrived refugees to various topics and norms in the U.S. (such as housing, public education, laws and more).
- Conducts verbal feedback surveys and focus groups with adult refugee clients who have recently completed initial resettlement services; compiles and analyzes feedback for reports and program improvement.
- Assists with preparation of refugee family reunification applications (including the Central American Minors Program; Lautenberg Program Affidavits of Relationship and Refugee Information Form; and P3AORs) to initiate refugee resettlement applications.
- Supports with coordination and scheduling of Refugee Health Promotion (RHP) workshops.
- Researches social services providers and programs to complement Commonpoint Queens R&I services and assists clients with referrals as needed.
- Assists with preparing and reviewing case files, including compiling required digital file documentation, writing case notes, and ensuring online database records are maintained.
- Provides interpretation and document translation for clients, if applicable.
- Provides administrative support to Commonpoint Queens R&I staff as needed.
- Brings commitment and integrity to accomplishing Commonpoint Queens’ mission and goals in all assigned duties, in addition to professional dedication to the implementation of all Commonpoint Queens’ core values.
- Performs other duties and projects as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
- Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in a related field.
- Verbal and written fluency in Ukrainian, Russian, Dari, Pashto, Burmese, Arabic, Haitian Creole, or Spanish strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated self-starter, creative thinker, and problem-solver.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse populations.
- Able to commit to 15-20 hours per week.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to multi-task and handle multiple priorities under strict deadlines.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Strong commitment to serving vulnerable individuals.
- Excellent computer skills and ability to work in hybrid setting, including experience with Microsoft Office and Google applications (Gmail, Calendar, Contacts, Docs, Sheets, etc.).