This internship will follow a hybrid model of both remote and in-person work. However, we are open to considering fully remote applications for those who may be interested in this option.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Rian Immigrant Center, located in downtown Boston, Massachusetts, is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Resource and Support Services MSW student intern with a human centered, strength-based and healing-centered/trauma-informed orientation. The RSS intern role offers an opportunity for a first or second year MSW student to become part of a team dedicated to helping immigrants integrate into their new communities by providing immigrants and refugees with one-on-one advocacy and accompaniment support, one-on-one counseling, co-facilitation of psychosocial mutual aid support groups and general resource referrals for housing, health care, childcare, employment, education & training. This is an exciting chance for a student to make a positive difference in the lives of immigrants, learn new organizational, technical and communication skills, and gain a deeper appreciation for a diverse range of cultures and viewpoints. In this role, you will gain experience as part of a small and supportive team in a non-profit setting, be given significant responsibility, and receive on-the-job training and support.
VALUES COMMITMENT
Demonstrate a commitment to social justice and equity; actively participate in Rian’s efforts toward being an anti-racist organization; and value, promote, and integrate anti-racist ideas and policies into one’s work.
TIME COMMITMENT
16+ hours a week
DATES
- Academic Year Internship: September 2025 – May 2026. Start and end date are adjustable as needed.
- Summer Internship: May 2025 – August 2025 RECRUITING CURRENTLY FOR THIS POSITION
COMPENSATION
- We welcome applications from students who qualify for work study compensation
- We are happy to assist with any requirements to qualify an eligible intern for academic credit or external funding/fellowships
- We offer a modest cost of living monthly reimbursement stipend – please inquire for details
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES may include:
Advocacy and Accompaniment
- Learn through shadowing how to conduct initial contact calls, needs assessments, and triage for newly referred clients
- Build strong relationships with clients, working with them to develop strategies and goals as part of engagement plan
- Arrange for and coordinate interpreters as needed for client appointments
- Gain knowledge and practice in trauma-informed approaches at all levels of client engagement
- Coordinate and follow up on referrals to internal and external resources including for healthcare, housing, shelter, mental health care, food, childcare and education.
- Assist clients with navigating social service systems and provide psychoeducation on client rights and strategies for accessing care and resources
- Stay abreast of internal and external resources, collaborate with other Rian program staff as needed, develop resource links, and make collateral connections for wide range of potential referral needs
- Manage RSS’ internal database of resources and actively share new resources with the team
- Take part in broader Rian policy advocacy work focused on immigrant rights
Clinical counseling & support
- Learn through shadowing how to conduct a strength-based behavioral health intake
- Learn to work with interpreters during intake and counseling sessions
- With support from supervisor, over time, provide counseling services to designated case load of adult immigrant and refugee individuals and families to address a range of presenting issues such as depression, anxiety, isolation and loneliness, and other trauma related symptoms
- Develop counseling goals with client and follow up through ongoing appointments
Required documentation, supervision & Administrative responsibilities
- Document all client contacts in Salesforce database along with clinical notes as needed; contribute to grant and program reports as needed
- Participate in weekly RSS team meetings and take part in rotating facilitation, agenda development and notetaking
- Attend weekly individual and/or peer supervision meetings
- Participate in regular case review discussions with social work team for support and feedback
- Support with the planning and delivery of internal and external presentations about our program or other specialized topics, as needed
- Attend monthly full Rian agency-wide staff meetings
- Participate in other RSS program projects based on students’ interests, program needs, and opportunities
Group facilitation
- Train with support group co-facilitator to learn skills and gain experience with possible goal of co-facilitating an ongoing group
DESIRED SKILLS
- Bilingual and bicultural candidates preferred (Spanish language skills preferred – high beginner proficiency or higher) or multilingual
- Experience traveling/studying/living/working outside of the US
- Experience with immigrant/refugee populations
- Experience with data entry (particularly Salesforce)
HOW TO APPLY:
If interested, please apply online at https://www.riancenter.org/internship-application/ – please also upload your resume using this link. A short cover letter should also be uploaded in order to outline your interest and suitability for the position.
The Rian Immigrant Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages candidates of diverse backgrounds and language skills to apply. Interns are NOT required to be native English language speakers.
ABOUT THE RIAN IMMIGRANT CENTER
We empower over 3,500 immigrants and refugees annually from more than 120 countries by providing the legal, wellness and educational support they need to build successful lives. Building on our Irish roots of welcoming others and social justice, we help newcomers find community, and we stand up for immigration policies that are humane and just. America is a nation of immigrants, and despite the current political climate, we are proud to continue the tradition of welcoming immigrants to this country and working together to create a better future for all.
Our vision is of a society where all people are welcomed and valued and enjoy equal opportunities and protections. Rooted in the Irish tradition of hospitality, we work to create a safe and welcoming place for people from around the world who come to our Center and are actively committed to promoting anti-racism in our workplace and our classrooms.
For more information on the Rian Immigrant Center, please visit www.riancenter.org
