Basic Needs Intern At — Interfaith Community Services
Basic Needs provides students with an introduction to social service while allowing them to make a meaningful impact in the community. Interns work alongside staff to support individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness by providing essential items such as food, hygiene products, diapers, formula, pet food, and emergency clothing. They may also help issue vouchers for IDs, driver’s licenses, and birth certificates, and assist with resources like transportation, utility assistance, prescriptions, and notary services. Beyond meeting immediate needs, interns learn how to connect clients with housing, counseling, employment, veteran benefits, and public assistance programs. Under staff supervision, students gain hands-on experience with client interactions, assessments, and referrals while also assisting with documentation, donation organization, and follow-up calls. This internship emphasizes professionalism, confidentiality, teamwork, and advocacy while giving students valuable experience in a nonprofit setting.
By the end of the Basic Needs Internship, students will have gained a strong introduction to the skills needed in social service work. They will learn how to provide direct client support through food and resource distribution while practicing professional communication and customer service in a nonprofit environment. Under staff supervision, students will develop foundational skills in assessment, referral, and advocacy by observing and assisting with client interactions. They will also gain experience in linking clients to community resources such as housing, counseling, employment, veteran services, and public assistance programs. In addition, students will build practical workplace skills through documentation, donation organization, and follow-up calls. Throughout the internship, they will deepen their understanding of confidentiality, professional boundaries, teamwork, and problem-solving while gaining exposure to Housing First and Diversion strategies. These experiences provide undergraduates with valuable, real-world preparation for future roles in social work, counseling, and related helping professions.
All students participating in the internship are required to complete mandated reporter training, sexual harassment prevention training, and cybersecurity training prior to or at the start of their placement. These trainings ensure students understand their legal and ethical responsibilities, are equipped to foster a safe and respectful environment, and are prepared to handle sensitive client information securely. In addition to these requirements, students receive comprehensive onsite orientation and hands-on instruction to prepare them for daily responsibilities within Basic Needs. This includes assisting with meal service and resource distribution, supporting client check-ins and intakes, following protocols for hygiene and laundry services, and managing supplies effectively. Students will also shadow staff to observe client interactions and service delivery while becoming familiar with organizational policies, safety procedures, and confidentiality standards. Together, these trainings and practices...
Students will work with vulnerable populations, including individuals and families experiencing homelessness, behavioral health challenges, substance use, trauma, and economic hardship, as well as transitional-age youth, older adults, and families with children. Students will always be partnered with staff, supervisors, or other trained professionals. In situations where supervision may be limited, safety protocols and immediate staff support are in place, and interns are trained in de-escalation and professional boundaries during orientation. While students may have limited interactions with minors in family settings, they will not be assigned one-to-one responsibilities, and all engagement with children or youth will occur under direct staff supervision.
If you are interested in an internship with Interfaith, visit the Internship Opportunities page and complete the Field Matching Form. Afterward, email your cover letter and resume to the Practicum Coordinator. Applications are reviewed for available placements in Basic Needs or other programs. If selected, you’ll complete a short questionnaire and may be invited to an interview. Since placements are competitive and filled on a rolling basis, applying early is encouraged.
| Hours | Duration |
|---|---|
| 8 | hours per week |