Refugee Support (Matching Grant)
Internship Overview
The Matching Grant Program is an early-employment program that helps newly-arrived refugees become self-sufficient. This intern assists our Refugee Services team by working with new arrivals to prepare them for their first American job. This is a great opportunity to improve cross-cultural communication skills, learn first-hand about the lives of refugees living in the Twin Cities, and learn about the process of refugee resettlement in Minnesota.
About the Internship
Please read each section below before applying.
- Interact with clients, documenting and communicating information to program staff to assist clients’ needs.
- Create resumes, complete mock interviews with clients, apply for jobs online.
- Assist job club class once a week, working individually with attendees and in group.
- Teach clients bus routes from home to Institute or from home to work.
- Work with Excel spreadsheets to enter and track financial data.
- Case filing and case noting interactions with clients
- Communicate with county services, landlords, interpreters with/on behalf of clients.
- Assist employment counselor with researching/contacting employers in the Twin Cities area.
- Follow up with clients and employers to obtain necessary employment documents for reporting
- Work on program project (TBD) by program manager
- Energetic with a positive attitude and be comfortable in a cross-cultural environment
- Flexible, able to multitask and willing to learn
- Experienced with computers and Microsoft products
- Candidate must be able to pass a background check
- Preferred: Second language ability, particularly Somali, Spanish, Karen, Arabic or Kiswahili
- Minimum of 15 hours/week
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (days and times are flexible)
- Priority given to candidates who can commit to full semester or three months
- The position is unpaid, though we are willing to work with the student if they are able to facilitate the earning of class credit through their internship or if they are interested in applying for compensation through a fellowship program.
- Free parking and bus line accessibility
- Individualized supervision with IIMN staff
- Opportunity to gain refugee employment and non-profit experience and work directly with clients
About Us
Founded in 1919, the International Institute of Minnesota offers New Americans quality services that support their journey to stability and success. Our comprehensive offerings include refugee resettlement, English education, workforce and leadership development, college preparation and support, and immigration and citizenship assistance. The Institute also provides advocacy for policy reforms and supports systems change that improve opportunities for New Americans to move their lives forward.
Contact Us
Call or email us if you have questions about volunteering.
Rachel Kennedy
Volunteer and Community Partnerships Manager
(651) 377-8663