What are the responsibilities and job description for the Resource Center Northeastern University Internship position at International Institute of New England?
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.
This internship is specific to Northeastern University (NEU) Co-Op students or recent graduates. Each internship includes an educational component, through which interns contextualize their experience and reflect on their service.
Please note that this internship will be a hybrid format, meaning that some in-person hours at our Boston, MA office are required.
Resource Center Northeastern University 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 IINE’s 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: Boston, MA (hybrid format, 2-3 days in-person)
- Start Date: January 18, 2027
- End Date: June 25, 2027
- Please note that this position is unpaid
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist staff with case management responsibilities including:
- applying for temporary financial assistance (TAFDC, SNAP benefits, SSDI/SSI)
- assisting client’s 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
- Current Northeastern University student or recent Northeastern University graduate
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 multicultural, 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.