Volunteer Work Authorization Application Assistants for Asylum Seekers!

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Educational Alliance is seeking volunteers who will work with asylum seekers to complete work authorization applications, which are required for them to work in the United States. This is a crucial pathway to their independence and financial stability. This opportunity is part of a pilot program we are developing. Please consider assisting this community of new immigrants to our city.

OVERVIEW

As part of our ongoing work to support asylum seekers in our community, this month, Educational Alliance is proud to announce a new pilot initiative with the New York City Office of Asylum Seeker Operations. Through this partnership, EA will serve as an application assistance satellite site and will help asylum seekers submit work authorization applications to the federal government.

To be eligible to legally work in the U.S., those seeking asylum must apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) which authorizes them to work. The seven-page government application for an EAD is straight-forward but must be completed in English. To support migrants in completing this form, Educational Alliance plans to launch a work authorization application assistance clinic for those with pending asylum. As part of this initiative, we are seeking volunteers willing to help new arrivals complete their work authorization application.

Bilingual volunteers are strongly encouraged but EA will provide translation support for any volunteer who needs it, through an interpreter either on-site or over the phone. Volunteer application assistants will receive training prior to their work as well as on-site support. We ask volunteers to commit to a minimum of one three-hour shift; multiple shifts or recurring commitments are strongly preferred, but not required.

Note: You need to apply in our volunteer database. You can do so here: https://cerv.is/0038gpGwB8J. The system will require you to be approved for your first shift. Once you request shifts we will contact you to schedule a phone call as a next step. If you have any issues with signing up email acloma@edalliance.org.

WHAT IS YOUR COMMITMENT?

• Watch training video and read through materials prior to your first shift (approximately 1.5-2 hours)
• Attend a virtual orientation prior to your first event/shift to review pertinent information about the application process and discuss best practices and tips
• Meet directly with individuals and families to help them complete and submit the federal government’s 7-page work authorization form
• Provide patience and a friendly setting for people going through a difficult transition
• Commitment to doing this in an ongoing capacity is strongly preferred, but you do not need to commit to a weekly shift.
• Must be able to read and write in English
• Bilingual Spanish/English, French/English or Russian/English speakers preferred, but not required. If you are not bilingual, audio translation tools will be available.
• Must be 18+

HOW TO GET STARTED

• Complete the volunteer application
• Speak with member of the volunteer team
• Review all training materials and schedule shift/s