About the role
Overview
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.
Responsibilities
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
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.