Programs Intern (SMC Internship)

Description

JOB TITLE: Programs Intern (SMC Internship)

REPORTS TO: Outreach Supervisor

LOCATION: The Journey

SCHEDULE: Varies

STATUS: Intern/Part-time, 12 hours/week for (108 hours total)

CELL PHONE: N/A

DRIVER POSITION: No [If yes, see driving policy below] 

SALARY RANGE: $20/hr

Duration 03/11/2025 - 06/11/2025

ABOUT US:

Safe Place for Youth (SPY) is the leading service provider for youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness in West Los Angeles. Founded in 2011, our agency offers trauma-informed, low barrier programs that support young people in exiting the streets and achieving stability so that they can thrive, not just survive. Our robust continuum of care includes street outreach, drop-in services, health and wellness programming, case management, education and employment services, and housing programs.

SPY is a unique social impact agency that is committed to overcoming structural barriers to equity, community collaboration, and innovative youth-focused programming. If you have the skills, passion and collaborative spirit, join our growing team of over 100 employees.

SPY strives to attract and develop individuals who reflect a broad spectrum of diversity, including (but by no means limited to) racial, ethnic, gender identity and socioeconomic dimensions. We believe that inclusion of diverse perspectives is essential to achieving long-term, systemic change. We explicitly seek applications from those who self-identify as coming from historically marginalized populations to enrich and elevate our equity-centered approach to problem-solving.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The 3-month, 108-hour, long internship for the Non-Profit Management program will offer participants the opportunity to receive on-the-job training, professional development curriculum, and support identifying and transitioning into long-term employment. Centered around the SPY Drop-in Center, The Journey, this internship opportunity will highlight the connection between relationship building and navigating documentation and data entry that is required in serving housed and unhoused people.

The internship will take place at the SPY Drop-in Center on Lincoln Blvd, where interns will learn about outreach, case management, and front line support. Throughout the program, interns will receive one-on-one support sessions with the Intern Liaison, as well as group based professional development classes.

This is the ideal opportunity for someone who is interested in developing their workforce skills in homeless services.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Participate in SPY's orientation and in-service training programs for professional staff and volunteers as needed
• Support the SPY Access Center Team in managing front line duties such as facilitating drop-in center services. (clothing closet, showers, laundry, meals)
• Authentic participation in activities and discussions around case management.
• Work within the Coordinated Entry System (CES), utilizing HMIS and SPY Database to track and record Drop-in Case Management data.
• Use a harm reduction, trauma informed, housing first model when working with youth.
• Under Supervision of SPY Mentor,, conduct intakes, assess needs, and refer new youth to pertinent services/programs such as housing, mental health, benefits, education, and employment  as needed
• Complete and submit all required forms, case records, statistical reports and documentation to the Director of Access and Engagement and Outreach Supervisor within designated timelines.
• Support our outreach team in tracking new members, as needed.
• Attend SPY drop-in center team meetings.
• Establish authentic, positive, and supportive relationships with SPY members, building rapport and providing support during drop-in service hours to increase knowledge of available services and resources.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization.

Requirements

Requirements

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Must be currently enrolled as a student at Santa Monica College (SMC). This is required.
• Must be enrolled in Non-Profit Management 3, Implementing Effective Practices in the Homeless Response System Spring 2025 course. This is required.
• Valid Driver’s License or State ID is required.
• Must be be at least 18 years of age. This is required.
• Active listener; uses reflection techniques when working with others to learn their needs and interests.
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic work environment; willing to work as part of a team. Collaborative and efficient problem-solving.
• Takes initiative; sets high standards for personal and team performance.
• Open to learning; willing to take a patient and consistent approach to one’s own development and growth.
• Takes direction easily and responds well to feedback.
• Thoughtful communicator; seeks to provide feedback in constructive ways.
• Welcoming personality; able to encourage and promote group and service participation.
• Is authentic and respectful of other members’ authenticity; appreciates diverse perspectives.
• Able to maintain a safe atmosphere for all people in the SPY environment.
• Willingness to work with folks of diverse experiences and background.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Changes in the environment, such as the office or outdoors.
• Prolonged periods of walking outside.
• Physical effort/lifting, such as sedentary- up to 15-20 pounds at times.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

Mandated Reporting Requirements: The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: Effective August 9, 2021, the State Health Officer has mandated that all workers, paid or unpaid, in homeless services organizations must provide proof of vaccination. If eligible for a booster shot, proof of booster is also required. If not fully vaccinated, weekly COVID-19 testing is necessary depending on the program. Please submit proof of vaccination to [email protected]. To request a reasonable accommodation or exemption, please get in touch with HR at the same email address. It's important to note that these accommodations are limited.

EEO STATEMENT:

All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Safe Place for Youth does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law. 

Safe Place for Youth is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Please include references in your application