Human Services Internship Fall 2026At — Down Syndrome Association of Orange County (DSAOC)

DSAOC's 2026-2027 Internship provides many learning opportunities due to a variety of programs, activities and events that occur during this time. 

PROGRAMS: During the Fall, our bowling league starts up (2nd Saturday of each month) and we have several programs running during the week at the Center (mostly late afternoon/evening).  This provides experience working directly with teens and adults with Down syndrome. Many programs are hybrid, so interns would assist with Zoom.  Interns will also assist with New Baby Baskets, research and outreach, volunteer coordination, program and special event preparation including marketing and social media, and day-to-day operations.

FUNDRAISING/DEVELOPMENT: DSAOC's largest annual fundraiser and awareness raiser event, the OC Buddy Walk, takes place in early November and an Annual Golf Tournament held in June.  There is a lot of pre-work that interns can assist with including promoting, marketing, organizing event needs, i.e. t-shirts etc., answering phones to help with questions regarding the event, and helping to secure possible special guests and sponsors.

DATA ENTRY: DSAOC recently updated its database CRM, therefore interns may be given data entry projects to ensure our new CRM is being used to its fullest potential.

SPANISH: If you are bilingual (English/Spanish), you can support the Spanish language literacy program, Mano a Mano, and must have some Saturday morning availability.  

Tasks:

Interns will assist with event planning and day of coordination.
Interns will support fundraising initiatives and social media marketing
Interns will support early literacy programs (if bilingual -Spanish/English)
Interns will be on the front line of hospitality at programs and events
Interns will support volunteer coordination
Interns will support safety standards and security at events to ensure individuals with Down syndrome are kept in safe environments.
Interns will see the technology most important at nonprofits and help with data entry into the database.

Training:

The intern will be trained in our organization's mission and provided with technical information and resources about Down syndrome, appropriate language use, and context to respond appropriately within and outside our community. They will have weekly one-to-one supervision meetings with a direct supervisor and have access to the Executive Director for questions, work feedback, and guidance on specific projects.

Interns will receive a detailed tour of the facility, meet staff and understand their roles, review a comprehensive PowerPoint to understand DSAOC's history and understand what Down syndrome is. Interns receive hands on training and will have constant support from staff and/or long-time volunteers.

Learning Outcome:

Interns will be able to communicate easily and comfortably with individuals with Down syndrome of all ages, and those with other disabilities.
Interns will gain a great sense of hospitality and understand the importance of relationship building in business and the nonprofit sector.
Interns will understand how a nonprofit functions, based on individuals contributions, program fees, grants and special events, vs. a for profit that may sell a consumable product.
Interns will see the diverse needs that may be different based on the demographics of families.
Interns will learn about community resources, such as the Regional Center of Orange County that are county, state or federal govt funded as well as resources that are more grass roots and non govt funded.
Interns will experience event coordination
Interns will meet collaborating organizations and businesses to see how these collaborations are extremely critical for organizations to better serve the community and thrive.