The Reach Program Newcomer Volunteer will provide an introduction to working in the humanitarian field as part of an interdisciplinary team. The intern will provide critical support to employment and economic stability navigators, by researching resources, assisting clients with basic tasks, and ensuring accurate documentation. This position is ideal for new Americans (arrived in the previous 1-3 years) who have some previous experience in social work, teaching, customer service, or other field requiring interaction with the public. Work is conducted in English using an interpretation line for client meetings. Intermediate level English language proficiency is required.

The Reach program provides support to New Americans across Colorado, helping them navigate barriers to housing, employment, education, and community integration. The program is administered by the Colorado Refugee Services Program in the Office of New Americans.

This positions is scheduled for 20 hours a week for about four months.

Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone's life. Imagine knowing your efforts will benefit both your career and our neighbors around the world. At CWS, our team knows they are making a difference every day. Whether you're in our U.S.-based offices supporting refugees, asylees or unaccompanied children ... implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America ... or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications - you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home. 

Goals

• to welcome refugees to Colorado with supportive services that lead to early self-sufficiency and employment, social adjustment, educational and economic empowerment, and healthy living;
• to engage with refugee families to help them move from arrival to initial stabilization and self-sufficiency in an array of domains; and,
• to assist refugee families in attaining success in the first steps toward integration and set them up for success over the long-term.

Objectives

• to link families with educational services that result in appropriate child development, prepare adults for career pathways, and enable successful integration.
• to create and implement dynamic individualized plans that stabilize and support a family, including by enabling learning opportunities (focused on economic empowerment and early employment) targeted towards income stabilization and the potential for career advancement.
• to increase connections between refugees and their neighbors to integrate into and engage with their communities and to create opportunities for mainstream community members to interact meaningfully with refugees; and,
• to provide supportive services for refugees that activate assets and mitigate barriers to integration.

What You Will Gain

• Hands-on experience in case management and direct client support
• Exposure to nonprofit program operations and community resource development
• Opportunity to build skills in cross-cultural communication, documentation, and client engagement
• Mentorship and supervision from experienced interdisciplinary team.

• Resource Development & Outreach
  • Research and categorize educational institutions, training programs, workforce development opportunities, and community partnerships.
  • Identify and compile lists of free or low-cost community resources (job fairs, ESL classes, certifications, etc.).
  • Build and maintain a directory of relevant providers and service organizations.
• Client Support
  • Assist clients with simple but essential tasks such as setting up job search accounts, creating resumes, and basic technology training.
  • Support clients in scheduling appointments, completing forms, and gathering required documentation (e.g., from landlords or employers).
  • Work with navigators to connect volunteers with clients who need additional support.
• Administrative & Documentation Support
  • Assist with file management, ensuring documents are organized and accessible.
  • Record case notes accurately and maintain confidentiality in all documentation.
  • Track outreach activities and resource contacts

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Comfortable using technology.
• Cross-cultural sensitivity and strong communication skills.
• Background or coursework in social work, human services, public administration preferred.
• Multilingual skills are a plus.
• Intermediate level English language skills are required.