Refugee Center Jobs (NOW HIRING)

For more than 100 years, the International Institute of New England (IINE) has created opportunities for refugees and immigrants to succeed through resettlement, education, employment support, and pathways to citizenship. With locations in Boston and Lowell, Massachusetts and Manchester, New Hampshire, IINE welcomes and serves thousands of individuals and families annually, including people displaced by political instability, violence, and climate crises; survivors of human trafficking; and unaccompanied children joining family members in New England. As one of the oldest and largest organizations in the region, IINE plays a leading role in shaping public understanding and support of our newest neighbors.

IINE offers internships to students, graduate students, and recent graduates with demonstrated interest or experience in supporting refugee, and immigrant populations. Each internship includes an educational component, through which interns contextualize their experience and reflect on their service.

All internships are unpaid and correspond roughly with the US semester system:

• Fall Internship: Mid September through Mid December 2026

First consideration is given to applicants that can commit at least 16 hours per week over the course of the semester outlined above. Applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of whether their schedule fits the semester system; IINE makes exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Slots fill quickly and candidates are encouraged to apply earlier than the requested date above.

Please note that this internship may be a hybrid format, meaning that some in-person hours at our Lowell, MA office are required.

Resource Center Internship Overview

The IINE Resource Center is a new initiative that will provide case management and other services to immigrants, refugees, asylees, and other clients on a walk-in basis. We are launching this project in October 2026 across IINEs three sites and are currently building the program plan. Interns will assist with program planning, outreach to community partners and former clients by phone. Once the centers launch, interns will assist in the Boston Resource Center with scheduling, client intakes and assistance on site.

Reports To: Director of Community Engagement
Location: Lowell, MA (hybrid format)

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist staff with case management responsibilities including:
  • applying for temporary financial assistance (TAFDC, SNAP benefits, SSDI/SSI)
  • assisting clients with school enrollment process of their children
  • assisting with referrals to health and social services
  • assisting clients with scheduling medical appointment
  • assisting clients with affordable housing application
  • helping to coordinate referrals to a wide variety of social services
• Outreach by phone to former IINE clients
• Assist with volunteer and staff scheduling
• Provide general administrative assistance to the Resource Center team

Qualifications:

• Interest in international, refugee, asylee, and/or immigrant issues
• Patience speaking with non-native English speakers/non-English speakers
• Professionalism, discretion, and maturity in dealing with confidential information
• Experience interacting with social welfare agencies highly desirable
• Experience advocating on behalf of others
• Language skills in Dari, Pashto, Haitian Creole, Arabic, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Swahili, or Amharic preferred
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Highly organized with great attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize common challenges faced by immigrant and refugee populations
• Develop strong advocacy and interpersonal skills
• Identify best practices associated with case management and how to effectively conduct client meetings
• Capture important information from meetings and check-ins in concise case notes
• Identify and access community resources and services, particularly those responsive to the needs of refugees and immigrants.
• Understand the immigrant integration work and the US Refugee Resettlement program, as well as what part VOLAGs and resettlement agencies like the International Institute of New England play in receiving and integrating refugees.
• Respectfully express and engage with ideas and values in a multilingual environment

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit at a desk for extended periods and use a computer and telephone.
• Occasional light lifting and handling of documents or office supplies.