The IRC Boston relies on the energy and talent of interns and volunteers to assist in all aspects of refugee resettlement in the greater Boston area. Volunteers are essential to the work that is done in and out of the office, and they come to the IRC with a variety of skills and strong interest in refugee issues both globally and domestically. Their work at the IRC in Boston is primarily related to domestic resettlement — assisting refugees in accessing basic services and helping them adjust to life in the United States.

Summer 2008

Employment Program Intern  *Urgently needed in August*
Assist newly arrived refugees with finding gainful employment. The Employment Intern will conduct job searches tailored to clients’ needs to expand IRC Boston’s network of employers. He or she will help refugees with job-related English language training, mock interviews, job application completion, resume development, job search techniques, basic computer and cash register training, and financial literacy training. The Employment Intern will also research job training programs, accompany clients on job interviews and teach them how to use public transportation. 
Hours: 12-15/week
Times: Monday through Friday, 9:30am-4pm
Location: IRC Boston office

Child Development Assistant for North Star Program
Assist the Child Development Instructor in caring for preschool-aged children while their mothers are participating in literacy class through IRC’s North Star Program. Assistants will help children with cognitive and educational development and expose them to a U.S.-style classroom environment. Assistants will help children feel safe by supporting a structured environment, introducing them to toys, music and sensory activities. Must be sensitive to the cultural context in which the children live. Assistants should have experience in child care and early childhood development. Program will start on July 24, 2008.
Hours: 3/week
Time: Thursday, 8-11am
Location: Lynn

Fall 2008

Employment Program Intern
Please see description above.

Child Development Assistant for North Star Program
Assist the Child Development Instructor in caring for preschool-aged children while their mothers are participating in literacy class through IRC’s North Star Program. Assistants will help children with cognitive and educational development and expose them to a U.S.-style classroom environment. Assistants will help children feel safe by supporting a structured environment, introducing them to toys, music and sensory activities. Must be sensitive to the cultural context in which the children live. Assistants should have experience in child care and early childhood development. Program will start in mid-September.
Hours: 3-9/week
Time: Tuesday, Wednesday, and/or Thursday, 8-11am
Location: Lynn

International Youth Program Tutor
Since 1996, the IRC has run an after-school program for African refugee youth at a high school in Jamaica Plain. Volunteers help newly arrived refugee and immigrant high school students with homework and assist them in developing English skills. Tutors must be sensitive to issues faced by refugees, as many of the IYP participants are very new to the country, have below average literacy levels and speak very little English. Some have lost years of formal education due to war and displacement. Tutors must be able to come to the program at least two afternoons per week. Program will start on September 29, 2008.
Hours: 2-4/week
Time: Monday, Tuesday, and/or Wednesday, 3:30-5:30pm
Location: Jamaica Plain

Immigration Intern
IRC Boston's Immigration Department assists refugees and immigrants with permanent residency applications and immigrant family reunification. Detail-oriented interns are essential to the Immigration Department. The Immigration Intern will help clients fill out and process forms such as travel documents and permanent residency applications, work one-on-one with clients to explain immigration processes, and perform some administrative tasks.
Hours: 12-15/week
Times: Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm
Location: IRC Boston office

Processing Intern
The U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program permits refugees living in the United States to apply for family reunification, or the immigration of their close relatives to the U.S. Applying for relatives and filing forms with Citizenship and Immigration Services is known as processing. The Processing Intern will work closely with Case Managers and the Resettlement Director to assist refugees with family reunification, including Affidavits of Relationships (AORs), Placement Applications, and Visa-93 processing. In addition, he or she will support the Director in researching, analyzing and writing formal memos for complex or unusual cases. The ideal Processing Intern is a skilled and confident writer who can remember names and details with accuracy. Ability to learn quickly and Microsoft Office proficiency are essential.
Hours: 12-15/week
Times: Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm
Location: IRC Boston office

Other Ways to Help

• Assist our Employment Department with identifying job openings for refugees.
• Transport furniture and other in-kind donations to refugees' homes.
• Help us locate low-cost permanent housing for individuals and families. 
• Organize a home party or other event to support the IRC's fundraising efforts.

Please contact katy.hurley@theIRC.org for more information.

How to Apply

To apply for volunteer and internship positions, please send a cover letter and resume by August 1, 2008 to:

Katy Hurley
E-mail (preferred): katy.hurley@theIRC.org
International Rescue Committee—Boston
101 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02108

Your cover letter should specify the volunteer position(s) for which you are applying, your reasons for wanting to volunteer, a description of past relevant experience, and availability.
 
Please note that there are often more applicants for volunteer positions than there are positions. Unfortunately, we cannot take on all qualified volunteer applicants. Preference will be given to applicants whose skills and experience match IRC’s current volunteer needs in Boston and to those who demonstrate a genuine interest in and knowledge of the IRC’s mission. All positions are unpaid.