LGBTQ Center Orange County General InternAt — LGBTQ Center Orange County

The LGBTQ Center Orange County provides support, education, and advocacy for the Orange County LGBTQ+ community. Interns will be immersed in frontline community engagement, with a focus on two core areas: Front Desk Support and Outreach & Civic Engagement.

Position Description:

Interns will serve as the first point of contact for community members, both in-person and virtually, offering support, guidance, and information about the Center’s programs and services. In addition, they will actively participate in outreach events and community engagement opportunities throughout the county, representing the Center at health fairs, school events, festivals, and other public venues.

While interns will be exposed to the broader scope of services provided by the Center, their primary responsibilities will focus on:

Front Desk Support

• Greeting guests and offering general information about programs and services

• Responding to phone calls and general emails from the public

• Provide details of our HIV/STI clinic and make appointments

• Providing referrals or directing individuals to appropriate staff contacts

• Assisting with program sign-ups and event RSVPs

• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of the Center’s current programming

Outreach & Civic Engagement

• Tabling at community events to share resources and promote Center programming

• Engaging with the public to answer questions and distribute materials

• Helping set up and break down outreach booths

• Supporting visibility campaigns, Pride activities, and special seasonal events

• Assisting with preparation of materials (e.g., brochures, flyers, giveaways)

Tasks:

Internship tasks are tailored to each student based on course requirements, individual skillsets, and areas of interest, with a primary focus on Front Desk support and Outreach engagement.

Primary duties may include:

Greeting and assisting community members in person, by phone, or via email

Providing accurate information about the Center’s services, programs, and events

Directing individuals to appropriate staff or departments based on their needs

Helping maintain and update community resource materials used by the Front Desk

Assisting with scheduling appointments or providing guidance on accessing services

Participating in Outreach tabling at community events and resource fairs

Distributing flyers, brochures, and safer sex kits at public events

Engaging the public in conversations about the Center’s mission and programs

Supporting setup and breakdown of Outreach booths and community event spaces

Collaborating with staff to document outreach impact (e.g., number of attendees, materials distributed)

As appropriate, interns may also contribute to developing new outreach strategies, creating informational materials, or participating in group orientation sessions for community members.

All tasks are designed to strengthen communication, professionalism, cultural competency, and LGBTQ+ community engagement skills, while providing meaningful contributions to the Center’s visibility and access efforts.

Training:

All interns are required to complete a two-day (8 hours total) in-person Front Desk Training, regardless of the department or focus area selected. This foundational training ensures that interns have a clear and comprehensive understanding of the LGBTQ Center OC’s core services, programs, and community resources.

The training equips participants with the knowledge and tools needed to interact confidently with the public—whether in person, over the phone, or by email—by providing accurate information, appropriate referrals, and affirming support.

Additional training may be offered depending on the intern’s specific focus or project involvement. This may include:

Participating in LGBTQ-Affirming Health workshops

Orientation on how to use community resource databases

Insights into priority needs and risks facing LGBTQ communities locally

The goal of all training is to support the intern’s professional development while enhancing their ability to serve and uplift the LGBTQ community effectively.

Learning Outcomes

Interns will gain knowledge about the history of the LGBTQ community both locally in Orange County and nationally, deepening their understanding of the social and political issues impacting the community today.

Interns will learn how to effectively connect individuals with services and resources offered by the LGBTQ Center OC and its community partners, including mental health support, health services, legal assistance, youth programs, and more.

Through active participation at the front desk and at public events, students will develop strong communication skills, including how to deliver clear and affirming messaging, speak comfortably with diverse audiences, and respond confidently to community inquiries—even when navigating unfamiliar topics.

Interns will enhance their ability to represent an LGBTQ-affirming organization, support visibility efforts, and create safer, more welcoming environments for LGBTQ individuals and allies across Orange County.