Project Rebound

Program Information

General Description of what students will be doing at this Site: Position Overview

Project Rebound at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) is part of the California State University Project Rebound Consortium, a statewide network that supports the higher education and successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals. Grounded in principles of restorative justice, trauma-informed care, and equity, Project Rebound transforms lives and communities by removing barriers to education and fostering pathways to social and economic mobility. At CSUMB, Project Rebound provides academic, housing, and reentry support services that help students persist through college, graduate, and thrive as community leaders. The program collaborates with Basic Needs, Student Housing, the Department of Social Work, and community partners like Helping Empower Reentry Services (HERS) to create a holistic support network for system-impacted students.

The Project Rebound Housing & Reentry Intern plays a vital role in advancing Project Rebounds Innovative Housing Initiatives — a comprehensive set of programs supporting current Project Rebound Scholars. Interns will engage in case management, housing navigation, and systems-level coordination designed to foster housing stability, financial wellness, and educational persistence. This position is ideal for Collaborative Health and Human Services (CHHS) students seeking applied experience in reentry support, trauma-informed practice, and interagency collaboration.

Key Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the Project Rebound Director the Housing & Reentry Intern will:

1. Case Management and Housing Navigation a. Conduct student intakes, needs assessments, and individualized housing stability plans. b. Support participants in securing and maintaining housing through application assistance, landlord communication, and budgeting guidance. c. Provide short-term case management, crisis intervention, and warm handoffs to campus and community resources. d. Promote trauma-informed and strengths-based engagement with students navigating reentry or housing instability.

2. Program Implementation and Coordination a. Assist with day-to-day coordination of Project Rebound housing initiatives, including housing placements, emergency support, and transition services. b. Collaborate with Basic Needs, Student Housing, and HERS to ensure seamless service delivery and data sharing. c. Help design and facilitate workshops on financial literacy, life skills, and tenant rights. d. Contribute to the administration of support funds (e.g., hotel vouchers, deposits, transition assistance) in accordance with program protocols.

3. Data, Evaluation, and Systems Improvement a. Collect and maintain accurate case notes, outcome data, and participant feedback. b. Assist in preparing evaluation reports to measure persistence, housing stability, and recidivism reduction. c. Use data-informed insights to recommend program improvements and sustainability strategies.

4. Advocacy and Community Engagement a. Participate in outreach and education efforts that reduce stigma and increase awareness of reentry and housing equity. b. Build collaborative relationships with local service providers, landlords, and community organizations. c. Engage in systems-level advocacy to advance student housing justice and reentry support within the CSU and Monterey County communities.

Desired Intern Characteristics: Current enrollment in CSUMB’s CHHS program.

● Commitment to social justice, reentry support, and equity in higher education. Lived experience with incarceration or system involvement is valued as a vital form of expertise. Strong preference is given to Project Rebound students.

● Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.

● Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.

● Prior experience in human services, case management, or community engagement preferred.

● Acts with initiative and self-direction, using lived experience and resourcefulness to advance program goals.

Special Considerations: At Project Rebound, we value the lived experience of our formerly incarcerated and system-impacted scholars; the ideal candidate demonstrates both professional skills and a deep understanding of reentry, equity, and student success. Supervision and Support Interns will receive weekly supervision from Project Rebound’s Director and participate in interdisciplinary meetings with campus and community partners (Basic Needs, Student Housing, HERS, Counseling).

Professional Benefits

● Fieldwork hours applicable toward CHHS internship requirements.

● Experience in reentry and housing case management, program coordination, and cross-sector collaboration.

● Opportunity to contribute to systemwide CSU Project Rebound reporting and evaluation efforts.

Concentration:
- Social Work
- Community Health
- Public Administration/ Non-profit Management

Format of Service:
- Remote Service
- In-Person Service

Type of Service:
- Direct Client Service
- Indirect Service

The following CHHS Competencies that the student will be exposed to:
- Collaboration
- Cross Cultural Competency
- Financial management
- Information Management
- Knowledge of Health & Human Services (SW or CH)
- Leadership
- Personal & Professional Communication
- Professional Development
- Public Policy Analysis

Details about trainings/ staff meetings offered or required: 20 hrs of training includes SumTotal, overview of Project Rebound specific projects (housing initiatives, etc.)

Health & Safety

ADA requirements: Sitting, emailing, working directly with students, may require travel on and off campus

Additional requirements and/or considerations
  • Computer Literacy
  • Must be 18 or older
  • Pre-Placement Training
Address 
5103 Fourth Ave
Seaside, CA 93955
United States
Student Contact 
Name
Valarie Maestas
Job Title
Director
Phone
(831) 582-5742 Ext. 83158
Email
Program(s) 
CHHS
Organization type 
Education - College or University (Private/For-profit)
Focus Population(s)
Adults, Children/Youth, College Students, English Language Learners, Teens/Young Adults
Focus Area(s)
Advocacy and Human Rights, Civic Engagement, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Social Justice, Education, Food & Housing Security, Health & Medicine, Natural Resources, the Environment, and Ecosystems, Science or Technology, Transportation & Tourism
Additional Focus Area(s)
Human Rights and Liberties, Legal Assistance, Activism, Voter Registration, Conflict Resolution and Peace Building, Social Transformation, Career or College Exploration, College Preparation, Extended Learning, Language Pathways, Peer Mediation, Recreation, Skill Development, STEM Programs, Supporting Academic Success, Wellness Education Programs, Climate Change/Climate Action
Hours of operation 

Mon-Thurs 8am-6pm