Social Work Intern Manager

Mobile Loaves & Fishes (MLF) is a social outreach ministry that has been empowering communities into a lifestyle of service with the homeless since 1998. Founded in Austin, Texas, the organization serves its homeless neighbors through three core programs:
Truck Ministry, Community First! Village, and Community Works. Often referred to as the most talked about neighborhood in Austin, Community First! Village is a 51-acre master planned development that provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for men and women coming out of chronic homelessness. We are now embarking on a new phase of community expansion, adding more than 1400 new neighbors over the next 5-10 years.

The Social Work Intern Manager is a key member of the Neighbor Care Team at Community First! Village. This full‑time, exempt position reports to the Supportive Services Manager. The role is responsible for leading, mentoring, and supervising a team of social work interns who walk alongside our formerly homeless neighbors. It ensures interns are equipped to provide direct care, emotional support, and resource connections while creating a meaningful and values‑aligned learning experience.

The manager also serves as a bridge between interns, Neighbor Care staff, university partners, and community resources. The position is located at 9301 Hog Eye Road, Austin, TX 78724, and typically requires 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Monday‑Friday, with occasional nights and weekends as needed.

• Supervise and support a cohort of up to 15 social work interns, including onboarding, training, weekly individual supervision, and ongoing mentorship.
• Ensure the internship experience meets academic, licensing, and ethical standards in coordination with university field placement advisors.
• Assist interns in providing trauma‑informed, person‑centered care to assigned neighbors.
• Collaborate with Neighbor Care staff and partner agencies to ensure holistic and consistent care for neighbors.
• Build trusted relationships with neighbors and model relational connection, compassion, and accountability in all work.
• Support interns in managing complex needs related to health care, recovery, housing stability/neighbor retention, eviction prevention, and community integration.
• Outreach to new universities for recruitment of students.
• Assist the Neighbor Care team during times of high need or low intern availability.
• Attend regularly scheduled Neighbor Care and all‑staff meetings.
• Other duties and responsibilities as needed.

• LMSW or LCSW licensure required.
• 2–3 years in a supervisory or management role, preferably supervising social work interns.
• Demonstrated knowledge of trauma‑informed care, harm reduction, and strengths‑based case management.
• Solid understanding of the Nine Competencies of Social Work Practice.
• Previous experience working with people experiencing homelessness or other vulnerable populations preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge, experience, and effectiveness in serving and advocating for people who have been disenfranchised, including people of color, people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, people who have experienced long‑term homelessness, people who identify as LGBTQ+, and/or people living with mental illness or substance abuse disorder.
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and commitment to ethical social work practice.
• Ability to mentor others with compassion, accountability, and emotional intelligence.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including strong listening skills and the ability to build trust.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proven problem‑solving ability and sound judgment in complex, evolving situations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, community‑centered environment.
• Positive attitude and collaborative spirit.
• Flexible and joyful in approach; able to adapt to change with a “Semper Gumby” mindset.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

• Ability to move about all phases of Community First! Village.
• Ability to work in an office setting.
• Day one 100% employer‑paid health, dental, vision, life, STD, and LTD insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holiday pay.
• Matching 401(k) retirement plan.
• Corporate discount program.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Employee assistance program.
• Wellness partnership benefits.

MLF is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer. Personnel are chosen based on ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, genetics, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation in accordance with federal and state law.