Refugee & Asylum Seeker Support Intern – NGO

About the Company

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Lubbock is a beacon of hope and support for individuals and families in West Texas, regardless of their background or faith. Dedicated to upholding the dignity of every person, we offer a comprehensive range of services including emergency assistance, counseling, immigration services, and adoption. Our commitment extends to welcoming and assisting refugees and asylum seekers, helping them find stability, integrate into the community, and build new lives with dignity and respect.

Job Description

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Refugee & Asylum Seeker Support Intern to join our team in Lubbock. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in humanitarian aid, social services, and community integration within a non-profit setting. The intern will play a vital role in providing direct support, administrative assistance, and advocacy for refugees and asylum seekers, helping them navigate complex systems and access essential resources as they rebuild their lives in a new country. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about social justice, human rights, and making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable populations.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with client intake processes, including initial assessments and documentation.
• Provide administrative support for case management, maintaining accurate and confidential client records.
• Help clients connect with vital community resources such as housing, employment services, healthcare providers, and educational programs.
• Offer support with cultural orientation and integration activities for new arrivals.
• Facilitate communication and understanding between clients and service providers, potentially assisting with translation/interpretation if bilingual.
• Participate in community outreach efforts to raise awareness and foster support for refugee and asylum seeker programs.
• Support staff in organizing workshops, events, and educational sessions for clients.
• Conduct research on available services and policy updates relevant to refugee resettlement and asylum processes.
• Assist with data entry and report generation to track program progress and client outcomes.

Required Skills

• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, with an emphasis on empathy and active listening.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail for managing client information and administrative tasks.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications (Microsoft Office Suite, email, internet research).
• Demonstrated passion for humanitarian work, social justice, and supporting vulnerable populations.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a program in Social Work, International Relations, Human Services, Public Health, or a related field.
• Bilingual proficiency, especially in Spanish, Arabic, or other languages commonly spoken by refugee populations.
• Previous volunteer or work experience with immigrant/refugee communities or in a non-profit setting.
• Understanding of U.S. immigration policies and refugee resettlement processes.
• Availability to commit to a minimum of 15-20 hours per week.

Perks & Benefits

• Opportunity to make a tangible, positive impact on the lives of refugees and asylum seekers.
• Gain valuable hands-on experience in social services, humanitarian aid, and non-profit operations.
• Professional development through direct mentorship and exposure to diverse case scenarios.
• Networking opportunities with professionals in the social justice and immigration fields.
• Contribution to a compassionate and mission-driven organization.
• Letters of recommendation upon successful completion of the internship.

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