The Underground Drop-In Center Intern Position Description

At Unbound Now, it has always been our aim to fight for the protection of the vulnerable, identify the exploited, and advocate for survivors of human trafficking on their path to restoration. We are motivated by our faith in Jesus and work each day as people who are hope-driven, service-oriented, and excellence-focused. To learn more about our values, please read our Statement of Faith. 

Title:  Underground DIC Intern

Internship Status: Part-Time | Unpaid

Location: Underground Drop-In Center

Summary: The primary function of the Underground Intern is to assist paid staff in welcoming youth and service partners to the Underground 24/7 drop-in center. This includes meeting the immediate needs of youth, establishing trust-based relationships with clients, and assisting in completing intake and assessment forms for approval by paid staff. This also includes assisting with housekeeping,  laundry, meal preparation and assisting with care of the Underground’s service dog.  

Availability:  Determined in alignment with the intern’s academic requirements and school-related goals as well as the Underground’s scheduling needs.

Working conditions: Work is normally performed in an indoor temperature-controlled environment. Work duties may, on rare occasions, be performed in an environment requiring exposure to weather extremes, odors, and noise.

Expectations/Requirements of an Intern: 

• Pursuing a degree or graduate degree in social work, child development, psychology, or counseling, and completion of at least 60 credit hours of undergraduate work. Other degree plans may be approved. 


• Preference given if trained in the use of motivational interviewing, stages of change model, or TBRI.


• Willingness to accept direction from paid staff. A paid staff member will always be on site. Staff will include a licensed social worker. 


• Ability to commit to The Underground for 12 weeks at a minimum of 9 hours per week. The Underground will grant scheduling flexibility. 


• Preference given if experienced in working with youth.


• Intern will agree to complete and pass background checks before working with or having access to confidential information of any clients.


• Provide a recommendation letter from a faculty member 


• High level of emotional maturity and responsibility 


• Strong work ethic - consistent and reliable 

• Committed to respecting all people 


• Commitment to excellence and professionalism in services provided


• Excellent relational, communication, and interpersonal skills 


• Participate in the initial half-day training and complete all required  training 


• Pass the food handler’s course paid for by Unbound Now. 


• Preference may be given to those who can work evening or weekend  shifts


• Intern will maintain confidentiality of clients during and after internship, in compliance with Unbound Now policies and state and federal laws, unless legally compelled otherwise.


• Intern will agree to abide by all Unbound Now policies and procedures, and comply with all applicable state and federal laws, including Unbound Now’s Abuse Prevention and Response Policy


• The intern will complete assigned tasks within a given time frame or on time.


• Intern will discuss professional development and ethical dilemmas during weekly supervision.


• Arriving on time for all assigned shifts is essential


• Participate in weekly team meetings

Responsibilities: 

• Assist paid staff in welcoming youth and service partners to the Underground 24/7 drop-in center 


• Meet the immediate needs of youth, establish trust-based relationships with clients, and assist in completing intake and assessment forms for approval by paid staff 


• Assist with data collection and other research assignments


• Assist with clients’ toddlers and infants, although the client will have primary responsibility


• Pitch in to help maintain facility cleanliness and sanitation, including running laundry, keeping the kitchen and bathrooms clean, etc., but such duties will never be the sole duty of an intern 


• Help sort and put away donated items. This may require lifting to 30lbs.  


• Follow health precaution protocol and sanitation requirements. Alert the drop-in center's paid staff when challenging situations arise 


• Communicate an eagerness to be helpful 


• Assist in providing proper care for the on-site service dog 


• On rare occasions, assist with tabling events. 

* This position description does not aim to provide a complete list of activities, duties, or responsibilities expected of the intern candidate. The scope of the position may change as organizational needs evolve.

Expectations of Unbound Now:

• Unbound Now will endeavor to provide opportunities for continued education.


• Unbound Now will provide weekly supervision to discuss professional development and ethical dilemmas. Staff LCSW will provide supervision to interns in programs requiring  supervised social work hours. 


• Unbound Now will provide feedback for school assignments on time.


• Unbound Now will provide supervision over the intern's job responsibilities.


• Will the intern be paid? Yes___ No X


• Will the intern receive mileage reimbursement? Yes___ No X

Physical Requirements:  

• Required to stand for extended periods, walk and sit; talk and hear, both in person and by telephone; use arms, hands, and fingers to lift and handle objects, as well as use keyboards


• Regularly required to stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, and lift to 30 pounds 


• Close visual attention and prolonged mental concentration


• Work duties may, on rare occasions, be performed in an environment requiring exposure to odors, bodily fluids, and noise

Internship Relationships:

Supervisor:
Underground DIC Director and Underground DIC Assistant Director

Works with: Other Unbound Now Underground DIC staff

Supervises: None

Unbound Now is not obligated to offer full-time employment to an intern at any point before or after the internship period. Similarly, interns are not obligated to accept employment or continue any relationship with Unbound Now upon completion of their internship.

The Underground will endeavor to structure job duties and supervision in a manner that allows the Intern to receive credit hours and welcomes input on this issue.  Please advise Unbound Now what type of staff supervision is required by your program.