Planning InternAt — Community Action Partnership of Orange County

About Community Action Partnership of Orange County

Born of the War on Poverty, Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAP OC) has worked to enhance the quality of life here since 1965. Through our broad network of community partners, we boldly address the root causes of poverty and advocate for change through systemic reforms, social justice and racial equity. We live and work in the neighborhoods we so passionately serve—coming together from all backgrounds and experiences to stabilize, sustain and empower individuals and families so they may build stronger communities.  CAP OC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Community Action Agency which receives Community Services Block Grant funds to fight poverty in Orange County.

The Planning Department enables the agency to achieve its mission to alleviate poverty and its root causes through research, planning and  development activities aimed at increasing the agency’s capacity to serve the poor and improve the quality of life for the Orange County community.

Position Overview:

The Planning Intern works closely with CAP OC’s Planning Department to support planning-related projects, assist with planning studies/reports, collects program data and maintain contracts, promote and provide outreach support for recent research and studies, and assist in the development of new agency programs. 

Qualifications:

-Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking
-Ability to multitask
-Dedication to the anti-poverty mission of CAP OC
-Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office and able to develop skills in new platforms as necessary
-Language skills (Spanish and Vietnamese) preferred

Logistics:

-Remote, In-person, or hybrid work available (depending on college/university policy)
-Flexible schedule available, Monday-Sunday (flexible hours available if doing remote work). 
-Orientation and work schedule will be done during first day of Internship
-Training will be provided to Intern during first week of Internship
-Internship is unpaid, may be used to obtain academic credit

Responsibilities and Duties:

-Assist with the implementation of our new broadband initiative that focuses on increasing accessto the internet. Activities may include outreach, surveying, and possibly marketing.

-Assist in promoting and presenting the agency’s recently completed 2023 Community Needs Assessment findings to community stakeholder groups (community members, partnering organizations, local colleges/universities, etc.). 

-Provide support for the planning and implementation of new programs/initiatives related to affordable housing/low-income housing including marketing, outreach, and research.

-Provide support for the Intersections Initiative- assist Planner with outreach activities/organizing in low-income communities (done virtually/remotely).

-Provide general department support, as needed. 

-May regularly interface with community groups, community residents, other CAP OC departments

Training:

Training will be provided on our agency's recently completed Community Needs Assessment; how to engage community in in-person and virtual events.

Learning Outcomes:

-Understand how nonprofit organizations work collaboratively with other organizations, private sector players, and the public sector.
-Learn how to engage the community on a number of community initiatives.
-Work collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team