Community Support and Outreach InternAt — Por La Vida

The Community Support and Outreach Intern will assist Por La Vida staff in supporting community members through resource navigation, referrals, and connections to outside organizations and community-based services. The intern will help research, organize, and maintain referral resources; assist staff with identifying appropriate services based on individual needs; support community outreach activities; and help connect community members with organizations that can provide additional assistance. The intern will gain hands-on experience in community engagement, resource coordination, nonprofit services, and professional communication while working under the guidance and supervision of Por La Vida staff.

• Research and verify community resources and services available to individuals seeking assistance.
• Assist staff in identifying appropriate referrals based on the needs presented by community members.
• Organize and maintain current referral and community resource information.
• Communicate professionally with community organizations and service providers to obtain information about programs, eligibility requirements, and available services.
• Assist with connecting community members to appropriate outside resources and community-based organizations.
• Participate in community outreach activities and assist with providing information about available resources and services.
• Assist staff with follow-up and coordination related to referrals when appropriate.
• Participate in staff and supervisor meetings to discuss community needs, available resources, referral processes, and community partnerships.
• Complete assigned projects related to community support, outreach, and resource development.

Training:

The intern will receive an initial orientation to Por La Vida, including the organization’s mission, programs, community partnerships, professional expectations, confidentiality, boundaries, and procedures for working with community members. The intern will receive training on resource navigation, researching and verifying community resources, organizing referral information, professional communication, and connecting community members with appropriate outside services. Training will include job shadowing with staff, examples of referral and resource-navigation processes, and guidance on assigned projects. The intern will also participate in regular one-on-one meetings with the supervisor to review assignments, discuss challenges, receive feedback, and connect internship experiences to the established learning outcomes.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate effective resource navigation skills by identifying appropriate community resources and referral options based on individual needs.
2. Develop professional communication and community engagement skills when interacting with community members, staff, and outside organizations.
3. Research, organize, and maintain accurate information about community-based programs, services, and referral resources.
4. Explain how nonprofit organizations collaborate with community partners to address barriers and connect individuals to supportive services.