Human Rights First is a non-profit, nonpartisan international human rights organization based in New York and Washington DC. We build respect for human rights and the rule of law to help ensure the dignity to which everyone is entitled and to stem intolerance, tyranny, and violence.
Human Rights First is committed to recruiting, retaining, developing, and promoting staff across all programs and departments from a diversity of backgrounds, including members of racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTI people, people with disabilities, people of all socioeconomic backgrounds, people of all nationalities, and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. We believe that a diverse staff and an inclusive work environment that welcomes a range of perspectives help make our advocacy work stronger and more effective.
The Volunteer Receptionist will assist in carrying out various administrative functions. The goal of the volunteer position is to learn general office administrative processes of the Office Services department.
Human Rights First is seeking an Administrative Volunteer to provide assistance in the following areas:
- Greeting, welcoming and directing visitors and potential asylum clients
- Assisting and providing guidance to potential asylum clients, including by using bilingual communication skills to effectively communicate the process of seeking pro bono representation through the Refugee Protection Program
- Answering multi-line switchboard and directing calls appropriately. For example, receiving and routing calls from detained asylum seekers with a sense of urgency, efficiency, and accuracy.
- Providing immigration/legal referrals for callers & visitors who are looking for assistance not related to asylum e.g. providing detailed information of the IRP court process and procedures
- Monitoring fax machine, receiving in-coming courier packages, alerting staff in a timely fashion of arrival of guests, faxes and packages
- Ensuring coffee and tea is available to all staff and guests, and kitchen is kept tidy and well stocked
Required Skills:
- Fluent in French and/or Spanish preferred
- Detailed oriented
- Strong communication skills (oral & written)
- Prior immigration experience preferred, but not required
- Applicant must be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel and internet search engines
- Applicant must be willing to commit to 3 hours a week minimum (AM/PM is flexible)
- Interpersonal and communication skills to handle sensitive, confidential situations
- Patience, poise, tact and courtesy
- Interest in Human Rights and Asylum issues desirable
