Housing Families Internship Program

Housing Families is a nonprofit organization working to achieve housing equity and well-being for all. Founded in 1986 by local community members, we address homelessness in Malden, Medford, and Everett through homeless shelters, housing stabilization programs, academic services, free legal services, and therapy/counseling. We operate one of the largest affordable housing programs for homeless and very low-income families and support newly arriving families in state hotel/motel shelter sites. Our holistic approach uplifts individuals and families facing homelessness by providing well-being programs and services to support their journey toward stable, permanent housing.

About the role

The Wellness department focuses on providing low-barrier access to trauma-informed therapy, food, everyday needs, and educational resources/support. We serve low-income individuals and families, most of whom have a history of complex trauma. Interns will support clients through thorough assessment, individualized service plans, resource identification, referrals to outside agencies, and collaboration with collaterals to enhance service delivery.

Supervisors at Housing Families have extensive experience working with clients in the mental health system. Licensed clinicians will provide individual and group supervision to interns, emphasizing systematic treatment and individual identity work. Areas of expertise include trauma-informed work with multi-stressed families, systems interventions, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Integrative Treatment of Complex Trauma, group therapy, community-based support and outreach, educational advocacy, and Restorative Practice.

Responsibilities

We offer a variety of internship opportunities with different focus areas:

• Macro Experience: Work with our Development Team on grant writing, community planning, event planning, and community partnership development.
• Case Management: Opportunities in our Shelter, Permanent Supportive Housing, and Pro Bono Legal Service Departments. Responsibilities include meeting with families biweekly, conducting needs assessments, connecting families to resources, and providing general support.
• Micro Experience: Work in our Wellness Department providing individual and/or group therapy with youth and/or adults. Interns will conduct comprehensive clinical assessments and evaluations, develop relevant treatment goals, and work as part of an interdisciplinary team with direct care staff, case managers, and other professionals.

At an organizational level, interns may have opportunities to initiate or participate in projects, including new or existing initiatives.

Requirements

• Open to undergraduate social work students, 1st or 2nd year MSW candidates, or LMHC candidates.
• Interns must be highly independent, self-motivated, and flexible.
• Fluency in Spanish, Haitian Creole, or Arabic is preferred.

Schedule

• Interns must work at least Monday from approximately 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM to attend case conference and group supervision meetings.
• Interns should be available one evening per week until 7:30 PM, as groups may extend into those hours.

Benefits

We offer stipends based on the number of weekly hours and responsibilities, varying by status as a BSW, MSW 1st year, or MSW 2nd year intern.