Irish Refugee Council: Internship with Information and Referral Service/Drop-in Centre – deadline 15 October 2017

The Irish Refugee Council’s Information and Referral Service operates a confidential Drop-In Centre three times a week on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as an outreach service to locations around the country where asylum seekers live. The Information and Referral Service provides help or guidance to asylum seekers and refugees on a range of issues and operates separately but in cooperation with the IRC’s Independent Law Centre.

Currently, there is an opportunity for an intern to work four days (Monday – Thursday) for six months with the Information and Referral Service.  No similar previous experience is required but applicants must have a commitment to human rights and to working with and for vulnerable people.  Applicants must also be comfortable in working directly with people and committed to learning how to provide support to people in difficult situations.

Full initial training will be provided to successful candidates as well as the opportunity to participate in further training and learning opportunities both within and outside of the IRC during the course of the internship. Support and supervision is provided throughout the internship by the Information and Referral Service Coordinator. 

Duties

• Assist in providing information and support to asylum seekers and refugees on a range of issues including the asylum application process, the Direct Provision accommodation system and family reunification;
• Refer asylum seekers and refugees to specialised agencies and services and to the IRC Law Centre where appropriate;
• Complete and maintain manual case files and digital case management system;
• Gather information and keep up to date with asylum and immigration issues;
• Participate in IRC team meetings and casework meetings;
• Provide support to outreach activities as required;
• Contribute to the overall work plan of the Information and Referral Service and the Irish Refugee Council.

Personal requirements

• Commitment to the human rights of vulnerable groups;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Fluent in English (spoken and written) - competence in other languages, particularly Arabic and French, an advantage;
• Flexibility and the ability to work under pressure;
• Ability to work well in a team environment;
• Proficiency in MS Office and general computer skills;
• Knowledge of Irish asylum and immigration law an advantage.

Hours of work

10am to 4pm Monday to Thursday (one hour for lunch)

Duration

Six months (start date as soon as possible)

Reports to

Information and Referral Service Co-ordinator

Remuneration

Travel and lunch expenses

Application process

If you are interested, please submit your CV along with a covering letter/email outlining why you are interested in the internship and confirming your availability for six months.  

The deadline for applications is 15^th October 2017.  Interviews of those shortlisted are expected to take place prior to the end of October 2017. 

Applications should be submitted to:  claire@irishrefugeecouncil.ie with Casework Internship Application in the subject line.