DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
Commonpoint Queens Resettlement & Integration Department 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’ Resettlement & Integration Department’s Volunteer Services Program provides support services to refugees and other humanitarian migrants in New York City and Westchester County. The Volunteer Services Intern will assist Commonpoint staff with the daily coordination and local administration of the volunteer services programs to provide holistic, wrap-around services to Commonpoint clients, through the help of qualified volunteers. The intern will gain hands-on experience in volunteer programming in support of Commonpoint’s services, in addition to a deeper understanding of the refugee resettlement program in the U.S.
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
- Provides direct support to the Program Associate (Volunteer Services) and works together closely with the Program Specialist and Program Assistant.
- Responsible for regular email and phone communication with prospective and current volunteers.
- Assists with the implementation of Commonpoint’s volunteer program standard operating procedures including invitations to volunteer information sessions, interviews, trainings, volunteer check-ins, and regular upkeep of Commonpoint’s online volunteer management software.
- Supports Commonpoint staff to plan and implement volunteer recognition initiatives.
- Participates in regular volunteer information webinar sessions.
- Assists with the recruitment, vetting, and coordination of volunteers.
- Assists with client intakes to determine specific client needs and to match clients to appropriate volunteer services.
- Assists Commonpoint staff to develop curriculum, workshops, and trainings in support of the volunteer and resettlement program.
- Participates in and takes notes in calls with community partners, corporate partners, and/or volunteer task forces.
- Provides support to Commonpoint staff to ensure that individual volunteers are grounded in the work, well oriented, acquainted with the skills needed and appropriately matched to Commonpoint clients and other volunteers.
- Attends professional development workshops and trainings offered to resettlement staff.
- Assists in managing the English as a New Language (ENL) Naturalization program, including recruiting and matching eligible volunteers and clients.
- Performs other duties and projects as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
- Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in a related field.
- 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.
- Must be available some evenings and weekends for volunteer trainings and events.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to multi-task and handle multiple priorities under strict deadlines.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Verbal and written fluency in Ukrainian, Russian, Dari, Pashto, Burmese, Haitian Creole, Arabic or Spanish is a plus.
- 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.).