Immigrant Integration Intern

CASA & CASA IN ACTION SYNOPSIS: 

CASA’s mission to create a more just society by building power and improving the quality of life in working-class: Black, Latino/a/e, Afro-descendent, Indigenous, and Immigrant Communities. Our vision is rooted in the collective power of our community, our inclusive, permanent, member-led movement radically transforms communities and systems to ensure the needs, dreams, and aspirations of members are fully met as we strive for justice and full liberation at home and in solidarity with others across the world. CASA has a sister organization, CASA in Action, a separate, but related, nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Although CASA and CASA in Action share a common goal of supporting immigrants and low-income people in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, they are separate organizations with their own board of directors.  A set of employees at the two organizations, including the person filling this position, shares their time between the two organizations.   This has no effect on salary or benefits.

PROGRAM SYNOPSIS: 

The program is focused on providing naturalization services to CASA members.

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Immigrant Integration Intern provides direct services to help community members navigate immigration and citizenship processes. Key responsibilities include assisting with applications (N-400, I-90, N-600, N-565), conducting mock interviews and citizenship test preparation, teaching citizenship classes, and offering one-on-one client support. The intern also collaborates on community outreach activities and participates in workshops and clinics to ensure the program effectively reaches and serves its target population.

CASA will provide training, which will include naturalization content, case management, as well as best practices on outreach and data tracking. Interns will receive ongoing training specific to their service area and team. Intern will work under the guidance of the Immigrant Integration department.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Assist Legal Permanent Residents in completing the Citizenship application form (N-400, N-600, N-565 and I-90).
• Assist with appointment settings and conducting follow up calls 
• Must follow CASA protocols and USCIS guidelines for filling out application
• Facilitate citizenship classes and conduct USCIS mock interview with CASA members
• Provide guidance on the naturalization process 
• Connect CASA members to community resources 
• Conduct the necessary administrative data entry and follow up on applications
• Conduct outreach through tabling, door-knocking, phone and in-person opportunities
• Participate in CASA community and internal events
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS  

• High school diploma or GED

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: 

• Motivated, responsible, disciplined, loyal, and comfortable working independently and within a team setting.
• Attention to detail is a must
• Must be comfortable with dealing with sensitive information 
• Must have the ability to exercise good judgment. 
• Fluency in English and Spanish is preferred
• Computer literacy (Windows, Baserow, Google Sheets, Microsoft office and ability to adapt to software.)
• Experience performing duties in multicultural environments.
• Highly organized and efficient, “can-do” attitude, flexibility, teamwork, and attention to detail; high degree of initiative and positive attitude.
• Reliable transportation, access to personal transportation preferred.
• Fast learner.
• Some knowledge of popular education, social work and citizenship are a plus.
• Align with CASA mission and values
• Must be pursuing one of the following majors: Political Science, Social Work, International Relations, Pre-Law, Public Administration, Sociology, Education, Spanish/Latino Studies
• Must be at least 18 years old.

OTHER PROGRAM DETAILS:

• Regular service time will occur Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm. Some evening and weekend service is required.
• Individual schedules are agreed by the intern and Program Supervisor at the beginning of the program. The schedule may be changed upon agreement, based on program- or member’s need. We are asking for a 4-6 month commitment, 20-25 hours a week.
• To be considered for the internship program, interested individuals must submit a current résumé to staff listed down below. Program staff will review applications, request an interview and additional materials (if appropriate), and conduct three reference checks. Please note that this is an unpaid internship.
• For more information about the program, contact:
  • Immigrant Integration Coordinator, Myriam Gonzalez – m.gonzalez@wearecasa.org
  • Deputy Director of Regional Services Virginia, Patricia Borich – pborich@wearecasa.org

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an intern to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this Job, the intern is regularly required to sit, crawling and reaching objects. The intern will frequently be required to stand, lift, carry, push and pull objects. 

The intern is occasionally required to stand or walk, do repetitive motions, balance, stoop, kneel and crouch.  

When it comes to physical strength, the intern will required to perform medium work. The intern may be required to lift up to 25 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an intern encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this Job, the intern is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

ADA: CASA will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  

OSHA: This role is not to handle any human body fluids, biological agents, laboratory chemicals, or be exposed to hazardous materials such as noise, asbestos, or carcinogens.

CASA Inc. and CASA in Action do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, marital status or national origin.

This job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity. Essential and marginal job functions are subject to modification. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 

CASA has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy effective 01 February 2022, requiring COVID‑19 Booster vaccination(s) for all employees and prospective employees, AmeriCorps members, and paid or non-paid internships. In accordance with CASA's duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards, we are adopting this policy to safeguard the health of our employees, AmeriCorps members and interns, and their families, CASA members and visitors, and the community at large from infectious diseases that may be reduced by vaccinations. In making this decision, the executive leadership team reviewed recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, CASA’s Legal Counsel and local health officials. All prospective employees will be required to provide proof of COVID 19 vaccination or appropriate medical / religious accommodation documentation prior to the first day of employment with CASA. AmeriCorps member candidates will be required to provide proof of COVID 19 vaccination or appropriate medical / religious accommodation documentation at the time of presenting proof of citizenship and SSN eligibility.