Human Services Outreach Intern

Position Details

As dedicated public servants, we at the City of Auburn Department of Human Services are committed to addressing homelessness and supporting our community. As the Outreach Intern, you will experience firsthand how homelessness is addressed within the City. Our approach to homelessness is more than just the implementation of policies; it's about holding people accountable. We are dedicated to acollaborative strategy where each member of our team, including the Outreach Intern, uses their background, knowledge, and abilities to meet the unique and challenging needs of the community.

This means you will be expected to learn how to lead clients through the housing process, assist clients getting into drug treatment, and provide the connection between the client and other social service departments of many kinds. We do not expect those interested in this position to come with specialized work experience.

The ideal candidate for this position will have the following: a strong work ethic, a good attitude, and a willingness to learn. Ultimately, the Department of Human Service's goal for the Outreach Intern is that they sharpen their knowledge of the housing and treatment process, develop strong case management skills, learn how to work through stressful situations, learn how to interact with clients in crisis, and assist our team in making the City of Auburn a safer and more supportive environment for everyone.

Primary Duties

As an Outreach Intern with the Department of Human Services,you'll have the opportunity to work with our Anti-Homelessness team as they visit encampments and assist individuals in accessing vital resources. You will learn how to enroll clients in state benefits, connect clients to medical care, learn how to secure important documents for clients, and assist in transporting clients to application and lease signing appointments.

Your role will also involve spending time in our Resource Center, which provides essential benefits like housing support and healthcare services to those in need. Apart from the work in the field, the Outreach Intern will gain a basic knowledge of Human Services contract management and how to responsibly utilize grant funding to support our programs.

Your primary duties in this role will include:

* Conduct fieldwork outdoors (including shelters, sidewalks, woodland areas, and riparian zones) regardless of weather conditions, to locate and address homelessness within the City of Auburn

* Provide direct case management services for homeless clients living in shelters, tents, or vehicles. This case management will involve all aspects of the housing process.

* Work directly with clients who have co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders

* Complete all Next Step Auburn Internship Program requirements independent of the required Human Services responsibilities

* Assist with requests for program information, including research and compiling information.

* Participate and attend staff meetings/functions, as requested, with other divisions, associations, both within the agency and with external stakeholders.

* Perform administrative tasks to support the department by maintaining program data and files. Collect and prepare data for status reports and outcome summaries.

* Assist with special projects, programs, and/or events in various capacities, as needed.

* Adhere to established work schedule with regular attendance.

* Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

To be eligible for this position, you must be:

* Pursuing a college degree or have obtained one in the last 12 months; AND

* Enrolled in, or have successfully completed, social work, psychology, sociology, criminal justice, or business management college course

Additional Information

The pay rates for this position will be offered as follows:

Freshman & Sophomores:
Step 1 - $20.00

Juniors & Seniors:
Step 2 - $21.58

Postgraduates:
Step 3 - $23.15

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Team Auburn values diverse perspectives and life experiences and welcomes applications from people who will help us consistently demonstrate the values of equity, respect, and partnership.

The department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and veterans. Individuals interested in joining our team must be committed to racial, social, and economic equality for ALL people in our community.

The City of Auburn is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or…