Intake Data & Documentation Volunteer

Intake Data & Documentation Volunteer

About Rainbow Railroad

Rainbow Railroad is a global charitable organization that envisions a world where LGBTQI+ people are free to live with dignity and without fear of persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics. Our mission is to help at-risk LGBTQI+ individuals get to safety and to build lives free from violence and discrimination.

Since 2006, we have supported over 21,000 LGBTQI+ individuals through our services including relocation, crisis support, and community sponsorship. Rainbow Railroad is a USA 501(c)(3) organization and a registered Canadian charity with offices in New York and Toronto.

The Volunteer Role

The Intake team is the frontline response to all requests for help that Rainbow Railroad receives. We receive tens of thousands of requests for help every year and the Intake team is seeking a volunteer to help us with administrative tasks to be able to expedite processing casework. This role will consist of going through documents that clients have sent us and naming them, as well as updating contact information and other demographic information. All tasks included in this role are done from a computer and will not involve any direct communications with our clients.

Please note: Due to the nature of the work we do, volunteers may encounter photos, documents, and other sensitive information that could include acts of violence, injury, nudity, and other personal details. While this will likely not be the case for every case assisted with, we do want to provide a sensitivity note so that potential volunteers are informed about what they may encounter.

Responsibilities

• Uploading and renaming files/documents: Synthesize information in the document into a structured description in the title.
• Ensure data in Salesforce is accurate and consistent: updating specific areas of information the client has shared in their communications.
• Perform other administrative tasks relating to casework as required.
• Maintain confidentiality, accuracy, and cultural sensitivity in all interactions .
• Collaborate with the Intake team to support urgent casework tasks as needed.

Qualifications

Personal Skills

• Fluency in English. While you will likely encounter documents in other languages, you will not be required to translate these documents.
• Ability to view information about an individual’s trauma and persecution narratives.
• Strong computer and written skills.
• Discretion, professionalism, and a deep sense of empathy.
• Demonstrated interest or experience in LGBTQI+ rights, refugee protection, or human rights work.
• Alignment with Rainbow Railroad’s mission and sensitivity to LGBTQI+ issues.

Requirements

• Commitment of 3-5 hours per week on an ongoing basis (4-6 month commitment preferred).
• Ability to work independently, with support from an Intake program officer available during regular working hours (M-F 9-5).
• Willingness to participate in onboarding and training.
• Stable internet access and ability to use digital communication tools (email, Google Docs, spreadsheets, etc.).

Volunteer Benefits

• Make a meaningful impact on the lives of LGBTQI+ individuals navigating forced displacement
• Contribute directly to the protection of LGBTQI+ asylum seekers
• Gain an understanding of the level of evidence required in the context of asylum as well as the forms of persecution related to LGBTQI+ forced displacement
• Join a global network of passionate, skilled volunteers
• Receive support, training, and recognition for your contributions

How to Apply

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer interpreter, please fill out our application form: https://share.vomevolunteer.com/yyfzo6JH82b

Rainbow Railroad welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities. We are committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our organization, and we look forward to welcoming volunteers who share these values.