Children's Legal Services Intern (Summer 2026)

International Rescue Committee•Silver Spring, MD

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future. SCOPE OF WORK: The Children’s Legal Services (CLS) Intern will assist CLS staff in providing services to unaccompanied youth who entered the U.S. without a parent or legal guardian and who face deportation/removal in immigration court proceedings. The intern will work closely with CLS staff to assist with case management, monitoring status of immigration court removal proceedings, conduct country conditions factual research to support asylum and other immigration applications, draft immigration application(s) (e.g., Employment Authorization) and provide follow-up communication and other client services which may include supporting clients with research and referrals that the social services navigator is exploring on the client(s)’ behalf. The intern will perform a series of clerical and administrative duties to ensure client files are kept up to date.

Requirements

Minimum 15 hours or up to 37.5 per week; preference for those that can work 37.5 hours.
Undergraduate level studies or equivalent experience in public service community work
Strong desire to help immigrant youth in Maryland
Ability to work independently, exercise good judgment, and have high 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 IRC code of conduct, volunteer and workplace policies
Ability to work in-person at the Silver Spring office is required.
Summer 2026 interns are expected to begin their internship term by attending an in-person intern orientation on June 1st, 2026 from 9:15AM-3:30PM.

Nice To Haves

Spanish language proficiency is a plus but is not required.

Responsibilities

Assist CLS staff in providing services to clients, including setting up consultations and drafting immigration applications under the supervision of an immigration attorney.
Perform research on various factual, legal and social service issues
Assist staff with monitoring status of clients’ immigration court removal proceedings
Assist staff with sorting, scanning and filing documents in case files.
Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy.
Display sensitivity to cultural and personality differences of clients. Respect their beliefs and values.
Perform follow-up communication to clients.
Provide occasional translation and interpretation (if the intern is fluent in written and spoken Spanish).
Other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

10 sick days
10 US holidays
20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure
medical insurance starting at $163 per month
dental starting at $6.50 per month
vision starting at $5 per month
FSA for healthcare and commuter costs
a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching
disability & life insurance
an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.