About the Organization

Catholic Charities of Onondaga County provides compassionate, community-based services that support individuals and families in need throughout Central New York. The Refugee Services program assists newly arrived refugees as they rebuild their lives by providing case management, health services, youth programming, education support, and community integration resources.

The Refugee Services Intern/Volunteer supports staff and clients through a variety of direct and indirect service activities. This role provides hands-on experience working with refugee and immigrant communities while helping individuals navigate essential services, education, healthcare, and community life. This opportunity is ideal for students interested in social work, public health, international relations, nonprofit management, education, or community development.

Direct Service Opportunities

Interns/volunteers may assist with:

• Greeting clients and assisting with front desk sign-in and visitor coordination
• Supporting the youth program with community service projects, recreational activities, field trips, and academic support
• Assisting with evening or weekend programs such as health education workshops, vaccine clinics, or youth events
• Accompanying staff and clients to appointments (e.g., DMV, Social Security, healthcare visits, DSS)
• Supporting cultural events and community activities with refugee support groups
• Tutoring clients in English language learning or citizenship preparation
• Helping clients read and understand mail or complete paperwork
• Accompanying staff on client home visits
• Assisting case managers working with high-need clients, including elderly individuals or those with medical or mental health needs
• Supporting public health staff during weekly vaccine or green card medical clinics
• Accompanying children walking to or from school when needed
• Accompanying clients to immigration appointments

Indirect Service Opportunities

Interns/volunteers may also assist with:

• Filing and organizing office paperwork
• Making copies of documents and proofreading applications
• Helping organize and maintain office and program spaces
• Sorting donated clothing and maintaining the clothing closet
• Coordinating and organizing community donations (bikes, clothing, furniture)

This is a non paid position

Qualifications

• Interest in working with refugee and immigrant communities
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills
• Reliable, organized, and compassionate
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Must complete Volunteer & Safe Enviroment Training

Preferred but not required:

• Fluency in additional languages
• Experience in tutoring, youth programs, or community outreach

Time Commitment

• Flexible scheduling
• Volunteers typically contribute several hours per week or per month
• Some evening or weekend availability may be helpful for events or programs

Learning Outcomes

Interns and volunteers will gain experience in:

• Refugee resettlement and community integration
• Social service program operations
• Cross-cultural communication
• Public health and community outreach
• Nonprofit program support

Catholic Charities is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building on our foundation of a diverse workforce; and fostering an inclusive environment that encourages the recruitment and engagement of a workforce that fully represents the community we serve. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race (including traits historically associated with race), color, creed, sex/gender (including pregnancy), age, disability, religion, national origin, citizenship, military/veteran status, marital status, familial status, prior arrest/conviction record, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, status of being transgender, ancestry, domestic violence victim status, predisposing genetic characteristics or carrier status, reproductive health decision making, or any other basis prohibited by law.