Referral and Support Advocate InternAt — Foundation for Senior Care
The intern for the Referral and Support Advocate will assist in providing advocacy and resource navigation for seniors and adults with disabilities in the community. responsibilities include supporting client assessments, assisting with referrals to essential services, and participating in community outreach efforts. The intern will also provide administrative support, including data entry and documentation, while maintaining client confidentiality. This position offers hands-on experience in social services and nonprofit operations, helping students develop skills in communication, case management, and advocacy. The ideal candidate is compassionate, detail-oriented, and eager to support the mission of enhancing the well-being of older adults.
By the end of this internship, students will gain valuable experience and skills in the fields of social services, advocacy, and nonprofit operations. Specifically, interns will develop: Client Advocacy Skills – Learn how to assess client needs, provide referrals, and navigate social service systems to support seniors and disabled adults. Case Management Experience – Gain hands-on experience documenting client interactions, tracking progress, and maintaining confidential records. Communication & Interpersonal Skills – Enhance professional communication by working directly with clients, caregivers, and community partners. Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking – Develop the ability to assess complex situations, identify appropriate resources, and provide effective solutions. Nonprofit Operations & Community Outreach – Understand the inner workings of a nonprofit organization, including program coordination, event planning, and community engagement. Administrative & Organizational Skills – Improve data entry, record-keeping, and time management while supporting the Referral and Support Advocate team. Understanding of the Older and Disabled Adult Population – Gain insight into the unique challenges and needs of seniors and disabled adults, including aging-related issues, health conditions, and barriers to accessing services, which will inform future advocacy and client interactions. This internship provides real-world experience that will be valuable for careers in social work, healthcare, nonprofit management, and related fields.
To ensure the intern's success in performing their responsibilities, the following training will be provided: • Orientation & Program Overview (2-3 hours) – An introduction to the Foundation for Senior Care, its mission, programs, and the role of the Referral and Support Advocate team. • Client Advocacy & Resource Navigation Training (4-6 hours, ongoing as needed) – Guidance on assessing client needs, making appropriate referrals, and navigating community resources. • Confidentiality & Ethics Training (1-2 hours) – Overview of HIPAA regulations, client privacy policies, and ethical considerations in advocacy work. • Case Management & Documentation Training (2-3 hours) – Instruction on data entry, tracking client interactions, and maintaining accurate records. • Office Administration & Communication Training (2 hours) – Training on office procedures, phone etiquette, scheduling, and intra-office communication. • Shadowing & Hands-On Learning (Ongoing) – Interns will observe and work alongside experienced staff to apply their training in real-world scenarios. • The intern will receive ongoing supervision, feedback, and support to ensure they gain valuable experience and confidence in their role.
Students may be required to lift and move moderate-weight boxes or durable medical equipment (up to 20-25 lbs) when assisting with the organization of materials and resources for clients.
1. Prepare Your Application: Update your resume and write a cover letter explaining your interest in the internship. Include any academic requirements and your availability (days, hours per week, total hours needed). 2. Submit Your Application: Send your resume, cover letter, and availability details to phurtado@foundationforseniorcare.org. 3. Interview & Conditional Offer: If selected, you’ll be interviewed. If chosen, you’ll receive a contingent offer based on a successful background check. 4. Final Instructions: Once the background check clears, you’ll receive details about your start date, training, and additional forms.
| Hours | Duration |
|---|---|
| 90-120 | hours per placement |