Social Media & OutreachAt — Human Works Foundation

Through engaging digital content, the intern will help Human Works Foundation capture and share stories of formerly incarcerated individuals, veterans, and people in recovery. The goal is to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote community support. Interns will work closely with the outreach team, learning how to humanize real experiences while aligning content with the organization's advocacy goals. This is an in-person or hybrid position based in Orange County.

Tasks:

Interns will be expected to:

Conduct and record interviews with clients, staff, and partners (with consent and training)

Draft and edit narratives for newsletters, social media, and reports

Design infographics and visuals using Canva or Adobe Express

Assist in writing scripts for video content and coordinating media days

Attend outreach events to collect content and document program milestones

Track social media analytics and suggest strategy improvements

OEnsure all content complies with HWF media policy and confidentiality standards

– Help with interviewing clients (with staff present) for spotlight stories.
– Participate in group activities with clients while capturing photos or stories under supervision.
– Assist clients in drafting posts for our closed client groups.
– Learn how our referral system works and help provide immediate support if needed while under supervision.

Training:

Interns will receive:

Mandatory orientation introducing HWF’s mission, trauma-informed practices, and media guidelines

Weekly one-on-one meetings with the Community Relations Manager to discuss progress, set goals, and provide feedback

Hands-on training in digital storytelling tools (e.g., Canva, video editing apps, caption writing)

Workshops on communications ethics, reentry narratives, and respectful representation of marginalized groups

Literature reviews of communications research and nonprofit media case studies

Learning outcome:

By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to:

Create, edit, and publish digital content (videos, graphics, testimonials) that reflect advocacy and impact.

Apply trauma-informed and ethical storytelling principles in interviews and digital media.

Understand the intersection of social justice, incarceration, and reentry from a communications lens.

Collaborate with nonprofit professionals on public awareness campaigns.

Use platforms like Canva, Instagram, and Mailchimp to increase engagement.