Senior Care InternAt — BLISS Care Foundation
BLISS Care Foundation seeks dedicated Senior Care Interns to participate in a dynamic internship program focused on bridging academic learning with practical experience in gerontology and psychology of aging. This role offers hands-on opportunities to observe and contribute to community care initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for seniors in low-income mobile home parks and subsidized housing communities.
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Tasks:
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1.Develop research questions that reflect personal interests, guiding hands-on engagement and learning.
2.Exemplify BLISS' core values—Empathy, Integrity, Service, and Advocacy—firsthand, with a special emphasis on cultural sensitivity.
3.Digitally transcribe personal and academic reflections to document experiences.
4.Demonstrate generosity and collaboration, verified by BLISS staff, during in-home visits and resource distribution to assist aging seniors.
5.Log volunteer hours accurately and maintain accountability for all activities.
6.Assist in planning, setup, and cleanup of fundraising events to ensure smooth operation.
7.Provide guidance to other interns and allocate responsibilities during peak event times to maintain productivity efficiently.
8.Support administrative tasks within the office environment like writing to potential donors and assisting in formally thanking donors after fundraising events.
9.Organize and execute social events for underserved seniors in low-income areas, focusing on cultural appropriateness for Arabic and Spanish-speaking communities.
10.Accompany BLISS staff on home visits to better understand and address the needs of underserved seniors.
11.Distribute resources to seniors aging in place at four low-income senior mobile home parks and subsidized housing communities where BLISS is currently active.
12.Conduct preliminary intake interviews with potential low-income clients to assess needs and expand BLISS's outreach.
13.Attend monthly debriefing sessions with a BLISS supervisor, aimed at reflecting on achievements and exploring career opportunities in senior care, utilizing the intern's unique cultural perspectives.
14.Lead workshops or informational sessions on topics relevant to the aging population like technology use, health and wellness, and financial planning, providing materials in English and other significant languages such as Arabic and Spanish.
15.Implement feedback mechanisms for seniors and their families to evaluate the services received, ensuring the continuous improvement of offered programs.
16.Engage in advocacy for senior rights and well-being, including participating in local government meetings or community forums to represent senior needs and concerns.
17.Coordinate with caregivers and other social services to ensure a comprehensive support system for seniors, addressing their diverse needs efficiently.
18.Monitor and report the progress of projects and events, utilizing data to inform future planning and demonstrate impact to stakeholders and donors.
19.Create engaging content for BLISS’s digital platforms, including social media, showcasing success stories, volunteer opportunities, and the organization’s impact, aiming to engage a broader community and garner support.
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Training:
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Students participating in the placement at BLISS Care Foundation will undergo a structured training program designed to equip them with essential skills and knowledge. The training begins with a mandatory general employer orientation, providing an overview of organizational policies, values, and operational procedures. Weekly one-on-one mentor meetings will offer personalized guidance, monitor progress, and address any challenges.
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Job shadowing opportunities will allow students to observe and learn from experienced staff in roles related to senior care and community engagement. They will attend workshops focusing on cultural sensitivity, advocacy, event planning, and digital communication skills. Practical experience will be gained through organizing social events for seniors and handling work samples.
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Literature reviews and testing will deepen their understanding of relevant topics, and tasks will be contextualized to illustrate their importance within BLISS's mission. This comprehensive approach aims to prepare students effectively for contributing to senior care initiatives and community advocacy at BLISS Care Foundation.
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Learning Outcome:
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By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to:
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Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of the challenges and dynamics involved in providing care and support to underserved seniors, particularly in low-income communities.
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Apply principles of cultural sensitivity and empathy in interactions with seniors from diverse backgrounds, including those who speak languages such as Arabic and Spanish.
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Develop and implement effective strategies for community engagement and advocacy to promote senior rights and well-being within the organization and local community.
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Utilize practical skills in organizing and executing social events and programs that enhance the quality of life for seniors, fostering a sense of community and connection.
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Reflect on personal and professional growth through structured supervision and debriefing sessions, identifying strengths and areas for improvement in senior care and community service.
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These learning goals are designed to equip interns with practical skills, knowledge, and empathy necessary for effective engagement in senior care and community advocacy initiatives at BLISS Care Foundation.