InternAt — Urban Street Angels
Urban Street Angels is offering a unique opportunity for students to gain real-world experience working directly with Transitional Age Youth (TAY), ages 18–24, in our supportive housing programs and homeless shelters across San Diego County. Students will gain hands-on experience supporting youth facing housing instability, trauma, and systemic barriers while being exposed to trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and housing-first practices. This opportunity includes shadowing Case Managers, Peer Support Specialists, and Residential Coordinators, and developing valuable skills in crisis intervention, conflict resolution, communication, and youth engagement. Students may assist with daily shelter operations, support basic needs, help coordinate meals or activities, participate in check-ins, and learn about community resources and referral pathways. This experience is ideal for compassionate students pursuing careers in social work, psychology, counseling, public health, criminal justice, or human services, and for those seeking internship or volunteer hours.
Trauma-Informed Care & Youth Development: Students will learn how trauma, homelessness, and systemic barriers impact Transitional Age Youth (TAY), and how to respond in ways that are supportive, non-judgmental, and empowering. Communication & Relationship-Building: Students will develop strong communication skills, including active listening, de-escalation, boundary-setting, and culturally responsive engagement with diverse youth. Crisis Response & Problem-Solving: Through supervised experience, students will practice recognizing early signs of crisis, supporting youth through challenging moments, and collaborating with staff to respond safely and appropriately. Case Management & Resource Navigation (Introductory): Students will be exposed to the basics of case management—such as intake processes, documentation, goal setting, and connecting youth to housing, education, employment, and mental health resources. Shelter Operations & Teamwork: Students will gain an understanding of day-to-day homeless shelter operations, including safety protocols, shift communication, documentation, and how multidisciplinary teams (case managers, peer support, residential staff) work together. Professionalism & Ethical Practice: Students will strengthen their professionalism by maintaining confidentiality, practicing ethical decision-making, showing reliability, and receiving feedback from experienced staff in the field.
Students will receive comprehensive onboarding and ongoing training to ensure they feel confident and supported throughout their placement. Training includes: Initial Onboarding (4–6 hours) Program Orientation: Overview of the homeless shelter environment, TAY population, and organizational mission -Trauma-Informed Care & Harm Reduction Basics -Boundaries & Professional Conduct -Safety Protocols: Emergency procedures, incident reporting, crisis communication -Documentation & Confidentiality Guidelines (HIPAA-related awareness) Required Trainings (Varies by program) -Mandated Reporter Training (Required): All students working with youth or vulnerable populations must complete Mandated Reporter training. This is provided at no cost and must be completed prior to direct youth interaction. -Cultural Competency & LGBTQ+ Youth Awareness (1–2 hours) -De-escalation & Conflict Resolution Training (1–2 hours) On-the-Job Learning & Supervision -Shadowing Period (First 1–2 shifts): Students will shadow Case Managers, Residential Services Coordinators, or Peer Support Specialists to learn shelter routines and engagement strategies. Ongoing Supervision: -Weekly or bi-weekly check-ins with a designated supervisor to review progress, answer questions, and ensure support. Optional/Additional Training Opportunities -Mental Health First Aid -Housing First principles -Community resource navigation -Employment readiness support basics
POPULATION SERVED: Students may be working with minors, elderly, behaviorally challenged populations or individuals who have a known criminal background or history of violent behavior.
PARKING – Coming and going safety tips (Best Practices)
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When exiting the building/leaving worksite, be present and aware of your surroundings. Avoid distractions such as phones when walking.
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Carry an emergency device such as a whistle, or a flashlight with a strobe function.
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When possible, park near the entrance of the location in which you are working.
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When possible, park near or under lighting within the location in which you are working
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Leave work with others (buddy system).
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Before exiting the worksite, locate your keys and carry in hand.
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Unlock only the driver side of your vehicle.
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Place items in the vehicle, turn on ignition and leave. Avoid staying in parked position.
Please email Tanya.zepeda@urbanstreetangels.org to receive an application.
| Hours | Duration |
|---|---|
| 90 | hours per placement |