Intern - Refugee Support Services (RSS)
Church World Service, Inc.

Job Info

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About CWS

Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone's life. Imagine knowing your efforts will benefit both your career and our neighbors around the world. At CWS, our team knows they are making a difference every day. Whether you're in our U.S.-based offices supporting refugees, asylees or unaccompanied children ... implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America ... or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications - you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home.

Purpose

Church World Service (CWS) is seeking an intern to support our Refugee Support Services (RSS) team. The RSS intern will assist the RSS team of case workers with the provision of services to Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) eligible families who have recently arrived to Northern New Jersey. Many of the populations we serve consist of Cuban-Haitian entrants, those with Ukrainian Parole and people from various countries who have already been granted asylum or refugee status. The RSS intern will receive training on the basics of the RSS program and trauma informed care, among other topics. The intern will play a key role in providing organizational support to staff and will advance efforts to build robust networks of community service providers. This internship offers valuable real-world experience in advocacy and social justice among global populations. Interns must commit to 2 days a week, or 14 hours per week for one or two semesters. Please note this is an unpaid position.

Responsibilities

• Assist RSS Case Managers with building and maintaining case files to ensure all requirements for documentation are met throughout the duration of enrollment.
• Assist RSS Intake staff in screening clients for eligibility, collecting enrollment documents and completing intake.
• Support and refer clients to resources and services, as well as scheduling any appointments through follow-up calls as instructed by case management staff.
• Assist families in addressing barriers to accessing resources and support families in successfully enrolling their child in school, applying for eligible state benefits, and establishing connection with medical providers.
• Assist RSS Case Managers in creating a strong network with local service providers who can offer needed resources.
• Create client-facing materials such as resource guides for clients.
• Adhere to CWS policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy.
• Administrative tasks as assigned.

Learning Objectives:

Intern will understand best practices for providing client-centered, trauma-informed, culturally responsive services.

Intern will develop skills such as problem solving, client services, and intercultural work.

Intern will learn how to manage direct service with documentation requirements.

Qualifications

• Pass required background checks.
• Fluency or highly conversational in Spanish or Haitian Creole preferred.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Mandated reporter responsibility.
• Able to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• Passionate and committed to learning about the broader CWS mission, global work, and local efforts.
• Willing to adhere to CWS volunteer and workplace policies.
• Cultural humility and sensitivity to this vulnerable immigrant population with a strong commitment to immigrant rights, social justice, and a strong desire to help newcomer families adjust to life in the U.S.

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