Youth Program Intern

Youth Program Intern

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. SPY is a unique social impact agency that values community collaboration, and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of youth.

If you have the skills, passion, and collaborative spirit, join our growing team.

The 200-hour-long internship will offer participants on-the-job training, a professional development curriculum, and support in identifying and transitioning into long-term employment. Interns will be placed in the Access Center (SPY's Drop-in Center on Lincoln Blvd). In addition to department-specific responsibilities, all interns will engage in SPY's Career Series, which includes training in resume writing, workplace communication, digital literacy, and job readiness.

Interns graduate with updated resumes, job references, and practical experience that prepares them to pursue external employment, education, or continued leadership as Peer Advocates. The internship program also serves as a pipeline into SPY's other services; all interns are offered support in accessing housing, clinical care, and education & employment services.

What You'll Do:

• Participate in SPY's orientation and in-service training programs for professional staff and volunteers as needed
• Use a 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. 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.

Skills You'll Need:

• Must be at least 18 years of age. This is required.
• Must be a current Safe Place for Youth member receiving services. 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 and promote group and service participation.
• Is authentic and respectful of other…