Fall 2026 Community Services Internship

For more than 100 years, the International Institute of New England (IINE) has created opportunities for refugees and immigrants to succeed through resettlement, education, employment support, and pathways to citizenship. With locations in Boston and Lowell, Massachusetts and Manchester, New Hampshire, IINE welcomes and serves thousands of individuals and families annually, including people displaced by political instability, violence, and climate crises; survivors of human trafficking; and unaccompanied children joining family members in New England. As one of the oldest and largest organizations in the region, IINE plays a leading role in shaping public understanding and support of our newest neighbors.

IINE offers internships to students, graduate students, and recent graduates with demonstrated interest or experience in supporting refugee, and immigrant populations. Each internship includes an educational component, through which interns contextualize their experience and reflect on their service.

All internships are unpaid and correspond roughly with the US School (education)semester system:

Fall Internships: Mid September through Mid December 2026

First consideration is given to applicants who can commit at least 20 hours per week over the course of the semester outlined above. Applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of whether their schedule fits the semester system; IINE makes exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Slots fill quickly and candidates are encouraged to apply earlier than the requested date above.

This internship has a on-site format. Ideally, we are looking to recruit individuals near to the Lowell area who are able to commute into the office.

Overview

The Community Services Intern will support the Community Services team in providing direct services and resources to newly arrived immigrants, refugees, and other eligible clients. The intern will assist with client support, resource coordination, data entry, case documentation, referrals, and administrative tasks while gaining hands-on experience in social services and community-based programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist Community Services staff with providing support and resources to clients.
• Help clients access community resources, including food assistance, housing, transportation, healthcare, employment, education, and other social services.
• Assist with client intake, assessments, follow-up, and referrals under staff supervision.
• Conduct outreach and help clients connect with appropriate community organizations and service providers.
• Support the preparation and organization of client documentation and case files.
• Enter and update client information accurately in agency databases and tracking systems.
• Assist staff with maintaining case notes, service records, spreadsheets, and other program documentation.
• Help coordinate appointments, meetings, transportation, and other client-related activities.
• Assist with food pantry distributions and other community service activities.
• Support staff in communicating with clients, landlords, service providers, and community partners.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow agency policies and procedures regarding client information.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and other professional development activities.
• Perform other duties related to Community Services as assigned.

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in or recent completion of a degree program in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Public Health, or a related field preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office/Google Workspace.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive client information professionally.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with a team.
• Previous volunteer, internship, or work experience in social services or community-based organizations is a plus.
• Multilingual skills are highly desirable.

Learning Opportunities

The intern will gain practical experience in:

• Case management and client support
• Refugee and immigrant services
• Community resource navigation and referrals
• Housing and basic-needs assistance
• Client documentation and data management
• Cross-cultural communication
• Community outreach and partnership development
• Professional ethics and confidentiality
• Social-service program operations

Supervision

The Community Services Intern will work under the supervision of a Community Services staff member or manager and will receive guidance and feedback throughout the internship.