Veteran Services InternAt — Goodwill of Orange County

Purpose of Position:
To support veteran transition services by assisting in outreach efforts, data management, and facilitating partnerships with local community resource organizations. This internship offers practical experience in veteran services, community engagement, and professional development within a nonprofit environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in providing transitional support services to active Military, Reserve, National Guard personnel, and their families transitioning into civilian life.

• Support outreach initiatives targeting local military installations and veteran communities under supervision.

• Aid in the development and distribution of outreach and informational materials designed to increase veteran enrollment in TCVS programs.

• Accurately input veteran and family member data into the WarriorServe database, maintaining integrity and confidentiality.

• Assist in coordinating and participating in community events and activities, such as Yellow Ribbon events, community gatherings, and local governmental ceremonies.

• Support efforts to educate veterans and families about available benefits and assist them with application processes as needed.

• Maintain professional and collaborative relationships with service members, veterans, their families, and community partners.

• Assist in maintaining organized records of outreach activities and veteran services provided.

Tasks:

1. Client Needs Assessment & Documentation
• Conduct initial intake interviews with veterans under supervision to identify individual strengths, needs, barriers to employment, and goals.
• Assist in creating individualized outreach or employment service plans based on client input.
• Maintain accurate and timely case notes using agency-approved formats, and track services provided.

2. Client Engagement Using Trauma-Informed, Strengths-Based Approaches
• Apply trauma-informed principles (safety, trustworthiness, empowerment, etc.) during client interactions.
• Support client motivation by identifying and building on individual strengths, past experiences, and personal goals.
• Participate in debriefs or case consultations to reflect on client interactions and develop more effective engagement strategies.

3. Job Readiness and Employment Support
• Assist clients in creating or updating resumes and practicing interview skills.
• Help match clients with appropriate job listings based on experience, interests, and needs.
• Follow up with clients post-application or post-interview to offer encouragement and identify next steps.
• Collaborate with staff to identify job fairs, training opportunities, or networking events relevant to client goals.

4. Nonprofit Operations & Community Collaboration
• Attend staff or community partner meetings to observe how the agency collaborates with other organizations and leverages funding/resources.
• Assist in tracking client outcomes (e.g., number of clients employed, outreach contacts made) for reporting and evaluation purposes.
• Support the development or distribution of outreach materials, flyers, or client resource guides.

5. Supervision, Feedback, and Professional Growth
• Participate in weekly supervision/mentor meetings to review progress, challenges, and skill development.
• Apply feedback from supervisors and peers to improve communication, documentation, and professional conduct.
• Reflect on experiences through journaling, supervision notes, or brief self-assessments, and set learning goals for the following week.

Training:

1. General Employer Orientation (Mandatory)
Students will receive an initial orientation covering the mission, values, and structure of the organization, an overview of the population served (veterans and their families), and expectations for conduct, confidentiality, and professional boundaries.

2. Weekly One-on-One Supervision/Mentor Meetings
Interns will meet weekly with a site supervisor or designated mentor to reflect on client interactions, receive feedback on performance, discuss challenges, and develop goals for continued growth.

3. Job Shadowing and Observation
Early in the placement, students will shadow experienced outreach and employment specialists to observe veteran engagement, case management techniques, and job readiness coaching.
Student will gradually move from observation to guided participation in client services.

4. Workshops and Skills-Based Trainings
Interns may participate in agency-sponsored workshops on topics such as trauma-informed care, resume building for veterans, navigating the VA system, or employment barriers (e.g., criminal background, disabilities).

5. Provision of Work Samples and Templates
To support skill-building, students will receive examples of client intake forms, employment plans, outreach materials, and resumes. These samples will help students learn professional documentation and communication standards.

8. Hands-On Training in Outreach and Engagement
Students will receive coaching on how to conduct outreach to veterans, including how to present services, approach potential clients, and maintain cultural sensitivity and professionalism in the field.

Learning Outcome:

1. By the end of the academic internship, the student will learn how to assess client needs, document services, and follow up on veteran outreach and employment plans.

2. By the end of the academic internship, the student will learn strategies to engage with clients in a respectful, trauma-informed, and strengths-based manner.

3. By the end of the academic internship, the student will learn about funding, community partnerships, and how nonprofits track outcomes and report impact.

4. By the end of the academic internship, the student will understand how to match clients with employment opportunities and provide ongoing support during the job search process.

5. By the end of the academic internship, the student will be open to feedback from supervisors and peers, and learn how to apply it to improve performance and understanding.