Internship, Ayuda Language Access Program

Ayuda is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a long-standing history of assisting low-income
immigrants with direct legal, social, and language access services. Ayuda’s Language Access Program expertly manages two interpreter banks, providing language access services to approximately 90 nonprofit organizations in the DC metropolitan area, who rely on the program to meet their language access needs. Those 90 nonprofit organizations can request in-person interpretation, telephonic interpretation, and document translation services for free, in feallowing them to serve Limited-English proficient (LEP), Non-English Proficient (NEP), and Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in their preferred language. The program also trains
interpreters about interpreting in legal settings outside of the courtroom and interpreting for victims of crime, and trains legal and victim services professionals on the best practices for working with interpreters.

Position:

Ayuda is looking for a Fall Intern who can dedicate 16 to 32 hours per week (flexible) for 10-12 weeks to provide administrative and programmatic support. The internship would begin late August and end in November. The exact start and end dates are flexible. Ayuda will provide the intern with a laptop. The intern will need to have access to reliable internet connection for video conferences and email communication. We have an office location in downtown DC, but as our team works primarily remotely, the Fall Intern can be based anywhere in the U.S. Undergraduate students interested in gaining nonprofit, language access, and/or immigrant rights work experience are highly encouraged to apply. This is an unpaid internship perfect for undergraduate students looking to gain professional work experience and work in a very supportive environment committed to having a positive impact.

Responsibilities:

  • Assisting with interpreter recruitment and engagement, including:

o Screening applications from individuals interested in accepting paid assignments
from Ayuda’s interpreter banks.
o Conducting outreach to particular language groups to increase pool of
interpreters who accept paid assignments from our interpreter banks.
o Researching and notifying interpreters of professional development
opportunities.

  • Helping to organize and plan trainings for interpreters and civil legal and victim services organizations, including:

o Obtaining donated space in which to hold the training or arranging the tools to
hold the training virtually.
o Obtaining donated food and beverages for in-person trainings.
o Drafting and disseminating emails, PowerPoint presentations, handouts, and
other written materials.
o Collecting RSVPs and sending reminders about the trainings.
o Creating, distributing, collecting, and analyzing evaluation materials.

  • Assisting with creating, distributing, collecting, and analyzing surveys and evaluations from interpreters and civil legal and victim services providers about services and satisfaction.
  • Researching language access resources (including interpretation and translation agencies) in the DC metropolitan area (and in the nation), innovative strategies, policies, and solutions.
  • Completing other tasks and projects as assigned by members of the Language Access Program.

Qualifications:

  • Have excellent communication and organization skills
  • Be a self-starter with the ability to complete tasks and projects independently
  • Be able to work with a team of language access professionals
  • Be passionate about defending the civil rights of all individuals regardless of the language(s) in which those individuals communicate
  • Be committed to creating a community where all immigrants and Deaf individuals overcome obstacles to succeed and thrive in the United States
  • Have proficiency in Microsoft Windows OS and Microsoft Office Suite
  • Have experience with data entry (preferred, but not required)

How to Apply:

Anyone interested in applying can email a resume and cover letter to kendra.carson@ayuda.com with the subject “Fall Intern Application.”