Family Navigator InternAt — Families Forward

Join the Family Navigation team at Families Forward, a non-profit dedicated to preventing and ending family homelessness in Orange County. As the primary point of contact, Family Navigator interns guide families through available housing resources and the coordinated entry system. Responsibilities include engaging directly with families, assisting with administrative tasks, and contributing to projects that enhance program development. Full onboarding and training will be provided.

Tasks:

• Observe Family Navigator meetings and calls with clients to gain understanding of the coordinated entry system and housing navigation process
• Shadow Family Navigators as they assess family needs and connect clients to appropriate housing resources and community services
• Assist with administrative tasks including data entry, file organization, and maintaining accurate program records
• Research and compile information on community resources available to families experiencing homelessness
• Support program operations by contributing to projects that enhance service delivery
• Complete training shifts at the front desk and Community Market to gain a broad understanding of Families Forward's service model
• Participate in team meetings and staff discussions to develop understanding of non-profit operations and social services delivery

Training:

• Interns will receive a general employer orientation upon start. Training will include shadowing experienced Family Navigators during client meetings and calls in an observational capacity, an overview of the coordinated entry system, and introduction to the community resources available to families.
• Interns will also receive orientation and training shifts at our front desk and Community Market (food pantry), as well as guidance on administrative processes and program operations.
• Supervisors will provide ongoing mentorship and feedback throughout the placement.

Learning Outcomes:

• By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to:
• Describe how the coordinated entry system works and how families access housing resources
• Identify the range of community resources available to families experiencing homelessness in Orange County
• Observe and understand how professional client interactions are conducted in a social services setting
• Support administrative tasks related to family navigation and program operations
• Explain the role of a Family Navigator within a non-profit housing services organization