Volunteer at the International Institute of New Jersey

Gain knowledge and valuable skills working in a diverse, driven environment. Be a part of our mission to serve as a gateway of resettlement for immigrants and refugees arriving in America by providing social services, legal assistance, English instruction, interpreting and translations, mental health therapy and employment counseling at little to no cost.

RESEARCHER
Description: The Researcher will assist the ESL Department to research materials (via internet and/or books) related to units taught to our ESL class. Our textbook of units will be provided for the research to take place. This volunteer will need to look at the class materials and be able to do research related to that material.
While curriculum background is a plus, it is not mandatory. There are no needed language skills however; the volunteer must have strong computer, writing, and communication skills. Hours are flexible according to the availability of the volunteer. This position does not require coming to the IINJ office except to discuss progress with ESL Program Mgr. And Volunteer Coordinator as well as drop off results/materials/deliverables.

ESL TUTOR
Description: As IINJ’s English as a Second Language classes enable the Institute to provide adults with the language and living skills needed to productively participate in the community, the tutor will enhance our mission by assisting ESL students with homework and class materials (reading, writing, and comprehension). Tutors should be able to speak and write in English as well as be creative to make the learning experience fun for the student. Hours may vary according to the need of tutoring but must occur between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the International Institute of New Jersey.

TEACHER ASSISTANT
Description: IINJ will have a Family Literacy Class on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting mid January. Teacher assistant will assist the class instructor with needed services such as co-teaching lesson materials to ESL adults and/or their children. Assistants should be prepared to create and lead activities that support lessons.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Description: IINJ’s Cross-Cultural Counseling Center is seeking administrative assistance. Volunteers should have analytical, office, and English skills. Training will be provided and attention to details is a must. Hours are flexible however duties should take place between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. at IINJ.

Contact: Contact the Volunteer and Resource Coordinator at msansait@iinj.org for inquiries.

International Institute of New Jersey
1 Journal Square Plaza, 4th Flr.
Jersey City, NJ 07304

The History of IINJ

Since 1918, the International Institute of New Jersey (the Institute) has been the gateway of resettlement for hundreds of thousands of immigrants arriving in America, first as a YWCA program and as an independent non-profit organization after 1938. While the complexions, accents, and native languages may differ from their predecessors, today's newcomers face challenges that are as compelling as ever. As it has for 88 years, the Institute opens a new world of possibilities for immigrants through an array of programs. It does so by responding to the full range of resettlement needs, including legal assistance on immigration and citizenship matters, english instruction, interpreting and translation, employment training, and individual and family counseling.

The Institute also provides an array of services to immigrants and refugees through its Refugee School-Based Services, and Survivors of Torture. Free or low cost and confidential, all programs aim to accelerate each new immigrant's journey to self-sufficiency. In addition to helping immigrants navigate the conventions of American life, the Institute conducts conferences and trainings that bring new information about immigrants to leaders in various industry sectors, such as corporations, health care, government, law enforcement, education, and social services. The Institute also advocates for public policies that ensure the fair and equitable treatment of immigrants and refugees. To achieve these goals it is one of the 42 affiliates of US Committee for Immigrants and Refugees (USCRI), the largest, non-sectarian, immigrant service network. A highly trained staff, many immigrants themselves, who collectively speak more than a dozen languages, provide these quality services to over 15,000 clients each year. The Institute's staff, board, and constituents believe that immigration is a key engine of the American economy and an inspiration for the American way of life.