Internships
We are always looking for talented and committed people to join our team!
Tahirih is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability or veteran’s status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Tahirih’s policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.
Tahirih offers a limited number of competitive internships at our offices. Joint internships between departments may be available. Please indicate your interest in your cover letter. Current internship opportunities include:
Social Services Program Internship (Virginia Office)
- Tahirih’s Social Services department, as part of a larger Coalition of organizations, is preparing a series of one day trainings on how to effectively provide culturally and linguistically specific services to victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. This intern will assist in organizing these trainings (ie: getting materials ready, community outreach, confirming attendees and preparing the training space). Additionally, the intern will work within the larger social services department on tasks such as updating resources, translating documents and researching further social services resources available for Tahirih’s clients. Based on past experience, interest, and availability, direct client work may be incorporated into the internship.
Requirements:
Current enrollment in (or recent graduation from) an undergraduate or graduate program; excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; proficiency with Word and Excel. Preference for those passionate about issues related to gender, migration and cultural competency. Fluency in another language a plus.
Tahirih is looking for an intern to commit 2 days a week for the spring of 2012 (roughly January through May; exact time commitment is flexible). Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged. Please send a cover letter and resume to elizabeth@tahirih.org.
Immigration Law Internship (Virginia and Houston Offices)
- Interns with the Immigration Law department interview clients, fill out and file immigration documents, assist clients in administrative proceedings; research and draft briefs and other documents, research country conditions, otherwise support the immigration attorney with pending cases, conduct outreach for the community and clients, and as time permits, work on public policy advocacy and initiatives. Internships are unpaid, but many interns receive credit for work completed at Tahirih. We also work with school-sponsored programs to enable interns to receive law school credit for internships.
Requirements:
Enrollment in law school, excellent research, writing and analytical skills, commitment to public interest law. Language skills highly desired, particularly Spanish and French.
To apply for a position, please send a cover letter, resume, short writing sample (2-3 pages), and a list of 3 references to services@tahirih.org. Application deadlines: We consider applications for Spring and Fall internships on a rolling basis. Applications for summer internships are due on February 1 for our Washington, DC area office and February 10 for our Houston office, but applications are reviewed and offers extended on a rolling basis.
Public Policy Internship (Virginia Office)
- An integral and growing element of Tahirih’s mission is its public policy advocacy: working to influence legislation, develop regulations, transform policies, and set precedent so that systemic change will ensure the long-term protection of women and girls from violence. All our advocacy initiatives are inspired and informed by the real-life challenges our clients face. Public policy interns at Tahirih may be asked to monitor legislative, administrative, and judicial developments at the federal, state and local levels that facilitate or impede clients’ access to justice. They may also track issue coverage in the media, write internal issue briefs, conduct research and help draft written materials to advocate/educate, and assist with preparations for legislative meetings, briefings, hearings, and presentations. Interns will also perform some administrative duties and provide general departmental support. As appropriate, public policy interns may also attend coalition or other advocacy meetings. The exact nature of the work that the intern would perform, and the level of responsibility he or she would be given, will reflect the level of education and experience of the intern.
Requirements:
Enrollment in a relevant undergraduate or graduate/law school program; excellent research, writing, and analytical skills, and a sharp attention to detail; a strong work ethic, including the ability to work independently as well as the discernment to seek further guidance as needed; and a sincere commitment to nonpartisanship.
Tahirih will be accepting applications for Spring 2012 policy internships until December 2, 2011, and applications for Summer 2012 policy internships until March 2, 2012. Internships will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged. To apply for a position, please send a cover letter, resume, short non-legal writing sample (2-3 pages), and a list of 3 references to Heather Heiman at heather@tahirih.org.
Family Law Internship (Virginia Office)
- Under the supervision of a licensed and experienced family law attorney, this intern will assist in all aspects of trial preparation including, but not limited to: interviewing clients and witnesses, responding to and drafting discovery requests, researching relevant case law and drafting pleadings. The family law intern will be eligible, under the supervision of the family law attorney, to appear and argue certain cases in Virginia courts. This is an excellent opportunity to get in-court experience. Internships are unpaid, but many interns receive credit for work completed at Tahirih.
Requirements:
Enrollment in law school, excellent research, writing and analytical skills, commitment to public interest law. Language skills highly desired, particularly Spanish and French.
To apply for a position, please send a cover letter, resume, short writing sample (2-3 pages), and a list of 3 references to services@tahirih.org. There is a rolling application process with continual acceptance.
Social Work Internships (Virginia Office)
- Social work internships are available periodically throughout the year to assist in meeting the social service needs of our clients. Each client receives case management based upon their needs: shelter, housing, medical, psychological, and benefits.
Requirements:
Enrollment in social work school, bilingual in Spanish/English, commitment to refugee and asylum issues, database and research experience, interest in working with female clients.
Tahirih is not currently accepting applications for social work internships. Please check back at a later time for updates.
Development Internships (Virginia Office)
- Developmentl internships are available throughout the year. The interns will gain experience in the full non-profit development process working alongside a marketing professional. Tasks will include grant research and writing; report generation; donor communication and follow up; publication writing, design, and production; list management; event planning; and administrative tasks.
Requirements:
Enrollment in an undergraduate program in marketing or communications (or comparable area of study), excellent writing and communication skills, proficiency with Word and Excel, energy, and enthusiasm.
Tahirih is not currently accepting applications for development internships. Please check back at a later time for updates.


