CRCD Internship

Access Center and Housing Intern (CRCD Internship)

Safe Place for Youth (SPY) is the leading service provider for youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness in West Los Angeles. Founded in 2011, our agency offers trauma-informed, low-barrier programs that support young people in exiting the streets and achieving stability so that they can thrive, not just survive. Our robust continuum of care includes street outreach, drop-in services, health and wellness programming, case management, education and employment services, and housing programs.

SPY is a unique social impact agency committed to overcoming structural barriers to equity, fostering community collaboration, and delivering innovative youth-focused programming. If you have the skills, passion, and collaborative spirit, join our growing team of over 100 employees.

SPY strives to attract and develop individuals who reflect a broad spectrum of diversity, including (but not limited to) racial, ethnic, gender identity, and socioeconomic dimensions. We believe that inclusion of diverse perspectives is essential to achieving long-term, systemic change. We explicitly seek applications from individuals who self-identify as belonging to historically marginalized populations to enrich and elevate our equity-centered approach to problem-solving.

The 12-month, 1000-hour-long internship for the Non-Profit Management program will offer participants on-the-job training, a professional development curriculum, and support in identifying and transitioning into long-term employment. Interns may be placed in either the Access Center (SPY's Drop-in Center on Lincoln Blvd) or in one of SPY's interim housing programs, including the Meadow on Melrose. Through these placements, interns will gain experience in front-line supportive services, outreach, case management, housing navigation, supporting long-term housing stability and other identified needs.

Throughout the program, interns will participate in one-on-one support sessions with the Intern Liaison as well as group-based professional development classes.

This internship is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in building workforce skills and gaining meaningful experience in homeless services.

• Participate in SPY's orientation and in-service training programs for professional staff and volunteers as needed
• Use a harm reduction, trauma-informed, housing-first model when working with youth.
• Actively participate in case management activities and team discussions to build knowledge and practical skills.
• Develop authentic, positive, and supportive relationships with SPY members and staff, building rapport and providing direct support during Access Center drop-in hours or within Housing programming, depending on placement. Through either setting, interns will increase their understanding of available services, resources, and coordinated care approaches.
• Support the SPY Access Center Team by handling frontline duties, including facilitating drop-in center services. (clothing closet, showers, laundry, meals)
• Under the supervision of SPY Mentor, conduct Access Center and Housing intakes, assess needs, and refer new youth to pertinent services/programs such as housing, mental health, benefits, education, and employment as needed. Develop individualized case plans that outline goals related to housing, education, employment, wellness, financial stability, and other identified areas of need.
• Collect and assess ongoing information to support participant safety, well-being, and measurable progress toward established goals.
• Work within the Coordinated Entry System (CES), utilizing HMIS and SPY Database to track and record Drop-in and Housing Case Management data.
• Under the supervision of the SPY management, complete and submit all required forms, case records, statistical reports, and related documentation within established timelines. This includes timely and accurate data entry for case and service plans, progress notes, youth agreements, resident progress trackers, and any other required records.
• Support SPY outreach team in conducting outreach and tracking new members, as needed.
• Attend SPY drop-in center and housing team meetings.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization.

• Must be at least 18 years of age. This is required.
• Valid Driver's License or State  required.
• Active listener; uses reflection techniques when working with others to learn their needs and interests.
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic work environment; willing to work as part of a team. Collaborative and efficient problem-solving.
• Takes initiative; sets high standards for personal and team performance.
• Open to learning; willing to take a patient and consistent approach to one's own development and growth.
• Takes direction easily and responds well to feedback.
• Thoughtful communicator; seeks to provide feedback in constructive ways.
• Welcoming personality; able to encourage…