Children's Legal Services Intern (Spring 2027)

International Rescue Committee•Silver Spring, MD

10h•Onsite

About The Position

The Children’s Legal Services (CLS) Intern will assist CLS staff in serving unaccompanied youth who entered the United States without a parent or legal guardian and face deportation or removal in immigration court proceedings. Under staff supervision, the intern will support case management, monitor immigration court proceedings, research country conditions and other factual, legal, and social-service issues, draft immigration applications, and conduct client follow-up. Other client services may include helping with research and referrals being explored by the social services navigator. The intern will also perform clerical and administrative duties to keep client files up to date. The internship is for the Spring 2027 semester and is unpaid. Interns are expected to attend an in-person orientation on January 25, 2027, from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The position requires in-person work at the Silver Spring office and a minimum commitment of 15 hours per week; the posting also states a minimum commitment of 24 hours per week and elsewhere gives a range of 15 to 37.5 hours per week, with preference for candidates able to work 37.5 hours. Spring internships typically run from January through May. Per diem reimbursement of $15 per day may be available to offset food and travel costs. Applicants not enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program and more than 12 months from graduation may apply as volunteers.

Requirements

Undergraduate-level studies or equivalent experience in public service or community work.
Strong desire to help immigrant youth in Maryland.
Ability to work independently, exercise good judgment, and pay close attention to detail.
Competency in Microsoft Office, data tracking, and file management.
Effective communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
Patience, understanding, flexibility, and a positive attitude.
Willingness to learn about IRC history, philosophy, global work, and local efforts.
Adherence to the IRC code of conduct, volunteer policies, and workplace policies.
Ability to work in person at the Silver Spring office.
Availability of at least 15 hours per week; the posting also specifies a minimum commitment of 24 hours per week.

Nice To Haves

Spanish language proficiency is a plus but is not required.
Availability to work 37.5 hours per week is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist CLS staff in providing services to clients, including scheduling consultations and drafting immigration applications under the supervision of an immigration attorney.
Research factual, legal, country-conditions, and social-service issues.
Assist staff with monitoring clients’ immigration court removal proceedings.
Sort, scan, and file documents in case files.
Keep client files up to date through clerical and administrative work.
Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those concerning confidentiality and client privacy.
Show sensitivity to clients’ cultural and personality differences and respect their beliefs and values.
Conduct follow-up communication with clients.
Provide occasional translation and interpretation if fluent in written and spoken Spanish.
Perform other related duties as assigned.