MPUSD is the largest school district on the peninsula serving children K-12.
Program Information General Description of what students will be doing at this Site:
This internship provides experience supporting students and families experiencing homelessness within the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District based at the school district’s Family Resource Center. Interns will support efforts to identify and assist students and families experiencing homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Through this internship, students will contribute to equity-focused initiatives that support access to education and critical resources for vulnerable youth. Interns will work closely with resource center staff, families, and community partners to help ensure students have access to basic needs, educational resources, and housing support. This opportunity is ideal for students interested in developing an understanding in supporting students and families experiencing homelessness within the public education setting.
Key Responsibilities:
Interns may assist with the following tasks, including but not limited to:
Support staff in identifying students experiencing homelessness utilizing the student housing questionnaire and help update their residency status in the Student Information System (SIS).
Make phone calls to families to gather or verify information about their current residency or living situation.
Assist families in need by identifying immediate needs and connecting them with resources offered through the Family Resource Center or make appropriate staff referrals.
Support the stocking and restocking of resource closets across school sites within the school district.
Distribute public notices about the educational rights of homeless children and youth at school sites, ensuring accessibility at the start of the school year.
Research available housing opportunities using online platforms and platforms in the community to maintain updated information of vacant housing options.
Help organize and maintain storage areas where resources for families and students are kept.
Identify and gather information about local food resources and assist with food pickups and deliveries for families unable to access them.
Deliver essential items and resources to students or families at school sites or in the community when barriers prevent them from visiting the Family Resource Center.
Desired Intern Characteristics:
Understanding of The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the importance of maintaining student confidentiality.
Bilingual in English and Spanish to better support the diverse communities served.
Ability to engage in compassionate, trauma-informed conversations with McKinney-Vento families, prioritizing trust, empathy, and respect.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a desire to support marginalized or underserved populations.
Reliable transportation and willingness to use a personal vehicle for community outreach and resource delivery (if needed).
Special Considerations:
Training and support will be provided throughout the internship as needed/requested by the intern(s)
Family Resource Center staff may ask intern(s) to support with tasks not listed in this internship description, if needed
Concentration: Social Work
Format of Service: In-Person Service
Type of Service:
- Direct Client Service
- Indirect Service
The following CHHS Competencies that the student will be exposed to:
- Collaboration
- Conflic Resolution, Negotiation, & Mediation
- Cross Cultural Competency
- Information Management
- Knowledge of Health & Human Services (SW or CH)
- Leadership
- Personal & Professional Communication
- Professional Development
trainings/ staff meetings offered or required: Interns will be provided will onboarding training and site based training and will have the opportunity to participate in team meetings.