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Detained Immigration Unit Law Student Intern

ECBA Volunteer Lawyers Project, Inc.
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This internship is in-person in Batavia, NY. It is for the SUMMER 2026 term for SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS ONLY. Please be sure to upload your resume and a cover letter explaining your interest.

About VLP: The Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project, Inc. (VLP) is a not-for-profit corporation that provides free civil legal services to low-income people and small non-profit groups in a variety of legal matters including but not limited to detained and non-detained immigration, family law, eviction defense, matrimonial matters, consumer matters, estates, and end of life planning. Intern with VLP and help give a voice to those who are not heard!

Benefits of Interning with VLP:

  • Direct Client Interaction
  • In-House Training, Supervision, and Mentorship

Minimum Qualifications: Current Social Work student or recent graduate.

**NOTE** If you are interested in applying to more than one internship, please apply to your first choice. You will have an opportunity to select alternative internships during the application process.

 

DETAINED IMMIGRATION PROGRAM SOCIAL WORK INTERNSHIP

Location: IN PERSON INTERNSHIP IN BATAVIA, NY 14020

Qualifications: YOU MUST CURRENTLY BE A SOCIAL WORK STUDENT WITH THE ABILITY TO WORK OUT OF OUR BATAVIA, NY OFFICE AND COMMUTE REGULARLY TO THE BFDF DETENTION FACILITY IN BATAVIA. Access to a reliable vehicle is required. A strong desire to work with detained non-citizens in removal proceedings is required. Fluency in Spanish or French is a plus.

The Social Workers at VLP do not have clinical responsibilities:

They do not provide ongoing therapy services to their clients. Although, from time-to-time clients may need to process certain situations, the Social Workers will encourage the clients to seek assistance from the medical staff at the facility or will refer them to a resource in their area if they have been released.

How Social Workers collaborate with the attorneys and paralegals at VLP:

Prepare clients for post release:

  • When attorneys request a post release plan, the Social Worker visits the client at the detention facility to discuss what will happen upon release.
  • Social worker will gather information regarding living arrangements, medical follow-ups, employment and educational desires, and family responsibilities. Once the pertinent information is gathered, a document is drafted and signed by the client and Social Worker, it is then presented to the court by their attorney in an evidence packet.
  • Assist with client releases at the gas station and work with local grassroots organizations and volunteers to coordinate travel and necessities for everyone released.

Debriefing with clients:

  • Social Workers can safety plan with clients
  • Check-in with the client pre- and post-trial
  • Provide coping mechanisms for clients

Other types of requests:

  • Bond Request – Social Workers reach out to different agencies to fulfill a bond for the release of a client
  • Coordinate Psychological Evaluations – Social Workers reach out to medical providers that could assist with a psych evaluations
  • Request books and commissary – Social Workers can request books and commissary for detained clients through a community resource as needed
  • Work with family members to obtain documentation and develop post release plans
  • Work with community resources to locate sponsorship for the client's potential release
  • Find housing for clients
  • Help coordinate transportation to and from court

What else do the Social Workers do:

  • Conduct internal wellness activities and education (self-care, grounding, meditation, etc.)
  • Research and maintain proper databases for housing, medical providers for physical and psychological evaluations, bond agencies, and dignity bag database
  • Attend agency meetings, conferences, and events of community partners

Benefits of doing an internship with VLP:

  • Opportunity for Direct Client Interaction. VLP student interns are truly on the front line of legal services. You will work directly with low-income clients providing valuable and needed services.
  • Potential for Court Observation. Depending on schedule, some of our students are able to observe immigration court hearings.
  • Social Media Spotlights. We are proud of our student volunteers and enjoy bragging about them on our social media accounts. All law students and graduates will be asked to submit a photograph for social media purposes (you can opt out if you prefer).
  • Possible Procurement of Letter of Recommendation. VLP will be happy to provide letters of recommendation for successful student volunteers. You may request one from your supervising attorney at the completion of the program or at any point in the future.
  • In-House Trainings. Students will enjoy informal trainings led by lawyers, community leaders and VLP staff covering a wide range of topics that involve public interest work.

 



For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.

https://ecbavlpinternships.isolvedhire.com/jobs/1718826-632662.html