FA/ Community Service

Description

Purpose of Position:

To support veteran transition services by assisting in outreach efforts, data management, and

facilitating partnerships with local community resource organizations. This internship offers

practical experience in veteran services, community engagement, and professional development

within a nonprofit environment.

Requirements

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in providing transitional support services to active Military, Reserve, National

Guard personnel, and their families transitioning into civilian life.

• Support outreach initiatives targeting local military installations and veteran communities

under supervision.

• Aid in the development and distribution of outreach and informational materials designed

to increase veteran enrollment in TCVS programs.

• Accurately input veteran and family member data into the WarriorServe database,

maintaining integrity and confidentiality.

• Assist in coordinating and participating in community events and activities, such as

Yellow Ribbon events, community gatherings, and local governmental ceremonies.

• Support efforts to educate veterans and families about available benefits and assist them

with application processes as needed.

• Maintain professional and collaborative relationships with service members, veterans,

their families, and community partners.

• Assist in maintaining organized records of outreach activities and veteran services

provided.

• Provide individualized tutoring support in English, Math, Information Technology,

and/or Science to veterans and their family members to enhance their academic or

vocational skills, as needed and under supervision.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled as a student pursuing a degree in human services, social work,

psychology, sociology, business administration, or a related field.

• Demonstrated interest in veteran services, community outreach, or nonprofit work.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.

• Reliable transportation, a valid California driver's license, and auto liability insurance

acceptable to Goodwill's insurance company.

• Ability to work collaboratively, accept responsibility, demonstrate initiative, and adapt to

changing circumstances.Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior volunteer experience or coursework related to community outreach, veteran affairs,

or social services.

• Familiarity with military culture or prior experience working with veterans or active

service members.

Learning Goals:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Learn how to assess client needs, document services, and follow up on veteran outreach

and employment plans.

Learn strategies to engage with clients in a respectful, trauma-informed, and strengths-

based manner.

Learn about funding, community partnerships, and how nonprofits track outcomes and

report impact.

Understand how to match clients with employment opportunities and provide ongoing

support during the job search process.

Be open to feedback from supervisors and peers, and learn how to apply it to improve

performance and understanding.

Training Goals:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. General Employer Orientation (Mandatory) Students will receive an initial orientation

covering the mission, values, and structure of the organization, an overview of the

population served (veterans and their families), and expectations for conduct,

confidentiality, and professional boundaries.

Weekly One-on-One Supervision/Mentor Meetings Interns will meet weekly with a site

supervisor or designated mentor to reflect on client interactions, receive feedback on

performance, discuss challenges, and develop goals for continued growth.

Job Shadowing and Observation Early in the placement, students will shadow

experienced outreach and employment specialists to observe veteran engagement, case

management techniques, and job readiness coaching. Student will gradually move from

observation to guided participation in client services.

Workshops and Skills-Based Trainings Interns may participate in agency-sponsored

workshops on topics such as trauma-informed care, resume building for veterans,

navigating the VA system, or employment barriers (e.g., criminal background,

disabilities).

Provision of Work Samples and Templates

To support skill-building, students will receive examples of client intake forms,

employment plans, outreach materials, and resumes. These samples will help students

learn professional documentation and communication standards.

6. Hands-On Training in Outreach and Engagement Students will receive coaching on how

to conduct outreach to veterans, including how to present services, approach potential

clients, and maintain cultural sensitivity and professionalism in the field.Description of Tasks, Projects and Assignments:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Client Needs Assessment & Documentation

o Conduct initial intake interviews with veterans under supervision to identify

individual strengths, needs, barriers to employment, and goals.

o Assist in creating individualized outreach or employment service plans based on

client input.

o Maintain accurate and timely case notes using agency-approved formats, and

track services provided.

Client Engagement Using Trauma-Informed, Strengths-Based Approaches

o Apply trauma-informed principles (safety, trustworthiness, empowerment, etc.)

during client interactions.

o Support client motivation by identifying and building on individual strengths, past

experiences, and personal goals.

o Participate in debriefs or case consultations to reflect on client interactions and

develop more effective engagement strategies.

Job Readiness and Employment Support

o Assist clients in creating or updating resumes and practicing interview skills.

o Help match clients with appropriate job listings based on experience, interests,

and needs.

o Follow up with clients post-application or post-interview to offer encouragement

and identify next steps.

o Collaborate with staff to identify job fairs, training opportunities, or networking

events relevant to client goals.

Nonprofit Operations & Community Collaboration

o Attend staff or community partner meetings to observe how the agency

collaborates with other organizations and leverages funding/resources.

o Assist in tracking client outcomes (e.g., number of clients employed, outreach

contacts made) for reporting and evaluation purposes.

o Support the development or distribution of outreach materials, flyers, or client

resource guides.

Supervision, Feedback, and Professional Growth

o Participate in weekly supervision/mentor meetings to review progress, challenges,

and skill development.

o Apply feedback from supervisors and peers to improve communication,

documentation, and professional conduct.

o Reflect on experiences through journaling, supervision notes, or brief self-

assessments, and set learning goals for the following week.