RMIAN is seeking an intern to assist with the Children’s Program Pro Bono Program

The Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN) is a nonprofit organization that provides free immigration legal services to individuals in immigration detention and to children and their families throughout Colorado. RMIAN is comprised of three substantive pillars: (1) The Detention Program advocates on behalf of people held at the privately-owned civil immigration detention facility located in Aurora, Colorado: (2) The Children’s Program provides free legal representation to immigrant children and their families who have experienced abuse, neglect, abandonment, trafficking and violence; and (3) The Social Services Project offers wrap-around support to people who are detained, formerly detained, or children and families in need of tools to navigate accessing services in the community.

Both the Detention Program and the Children’s Program work with volunteer (pro bono) attorneys to expand the organization’s case capacity. The Children’s Pro Bono Program refers nearly 150 cases to pro bono attorneys each year, while providing mentorship support, trainings, resources, and recognition.

Internship Overview

This is a part-time, unpaid internship to last for the duration of one term, with the possibility of extending for a second term (timeframes listed below). The intern must be based near Denver, Colorado, and be able to come to RMIAN’s office in Westminster, Colorado.

Proposed terms for the intern position:

Summer: 15-25 hours per week, from mid-May to mid-August

Fall: 10-15 hours per week, from September to early December

Spring: 10-15 hours per week, from mid-January to mid-May

RMIAN is willing to alter start and end dates as well as the exact number of hours, but exercises strong preference for the stated parameters. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

While this position is unpaid, RMIAN is happy to coordinate with your academic institution if course credit can be offered for participation in this internship or to certify work for any outside funding source.

The Ideal Candidate:

  • Is based near Denver, Colorado, and is willing to come to RMIAN’s office in Westminster at least once a week

  • Is proficient in English and Spanish (preferred)

  • Is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and is able to effectively and compassionately work with people from diverse backgrounds

  • Is interested in learning more about the US immigration system and/or non-profit organizations

  • Is excited to innovate and streamline administrative processes and contribute to efficient workflow in a fast-paced environment

Primary Intern Responsibilities:

  • Write short summaries of cases to help with recruitment of pro bono attorneys

  • Assist in planning volunteer gatherings, such as trainings and appreciation events

  • Regularly check hearing dates for referred clients

  • Research, compile, and develop resources to share with pro bono attorneys (for example: written materials, powerpoints, video trainings, etc.)

  • Check in with volunteers to get case status updates

  • Support with administrative work/data entry in the Legal Server database

Other Experiences/Training Opportunities Included, if desired:

  • Gain a nuanced understanding of the US immigration system

  • Observe Immigration Court hearings and debrief with attorneys about their work

  • Observe Know-Your-Rights presentations and orientation services provided remotely to people detained at GEO/ICE Facility in Aurora

  • Attend virtual lunches with attorneys, social workers, paralegals, or other staff members depending on your interests to gain insight into different career paths

To apply for this internship, please complete the following:

  1. Send your resumé to hr@rmian.org.

  2. In the subject line, write “Pro Bono Program Internship Application”

  3. In the body of the email, please include short answers (a few sentences) to the following questions:

    1. How would this internship relate to your academic interests/professional goals?

    2. How do you incorporate the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion into your day-to-day life?

  4. Please also attach your professional resume to the email.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible prior to the term that they would like to intern. As explained above, interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

RMIAN is an equal opportunity employer and recognizes the importance of diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, women, members of the LGBTQ community, and other underrepresented and marginalized groups. RMIAN does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status or veteran status. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment free from discrimination.

If you have any questions, please email hr@rmian.org. Thank you for your interest in interning with RMIAN!