Social Services & Resident Engagement Intern

Desert Springs Communities Assisted Living is seeking a compassionate, engaging, and dependable intern to join our residential assisted living community. Our residents require varying levels of assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) while continuing to benefit from a comfortable, residential setting. Some residents also live with dementia or other age-related cognitive changes, providing valuable exposure to the social, emotional, and interpersonal needs of older adults.

About the role

The Social Work & Resident Engagement Intern will spend meaningful time with residents, developing genuine relationships, providing companionship, assisting with activities, and helping create an environment where residents feel connected, respected, valued, and engaged.

Responsibilities

• Spend one-on-one time with residents through conversation, companionship, reading, games, music, and other meaningful interactions.
• Assist with planning and facilitating individual and group activities based on residents’ interests, abilities, and cognitive levels.
• Encourage residents to participate in appropriate social, recreational, and creative activities.
• Help develop activities that promote social connection, cognitive stimulation, creativity, and enjoyment.
• Build positive relationships with elderly residents while respecting their individual preferences, dignity, privacy, and independence.
• Provide friendly social interaction and emotional support through active listening and meaningful conversation.
• Engage residents who may have dementia or other cognitive impairments in appropriate, supportive activities.
• Assist with special events, celebrations, crafts, music, games, and other community activities.
• Observe resident participation and engagement and communicate appropriate observations to facility staff.
• Gain exposure to the social and emotional aspects of aging, including changes in independence, cognitive impairment, and the transition to assisted living.
• Work collaboratively with caregivers and community staff to support a positive resident experience.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and resident confidentiality at all times.

Learning Opportunities

This internship offers students an opportunity to develop practical skills in:

• Communication and active listening
• Relationship-building with older adults
• Working with individuals experiencing dementia and cognitive changes
• Person-centered care
• Activity and program development
• Social and emotional support
• Understanding the aging process and assisted living
• Professional boundaries and confidentiality
• Interdisciplinary teamwork
• Promoting dignity, independence, and quality of life

Requirements

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at Arizona State University, preferably pursuing Social Work, Nonprofit Leadership & Management, Psychology, Gerontology, Human Services, Counseling, Healthcare, or a related field.
• Genuine interest in working with elderly adults and learning about the aging process.
• Compassionate, patient, respectful, and comfortable interacting with older adults.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Reliable, responsible, and able to maintain a consistent schedule.
• Able to engage residents in meaningful conversation and activities.
• Comfortable working with individuals who may have dementia or other cognitive impairments.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and resident confidentiality.
• Ability to follow facility policies, procedures, and staff direction.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience volunteering or working with older adults.
• Experience with individuals living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
• Experience leading recreational, social, artistic, musical, or therapeutic activities.
• Interest in pursuing a career in social work, gerontology, senior services, healthcare, or a related field.

This position does not require the intern to provide hands-on personal care or perform activities of daily living. The intern’s primary focus is resident engagement, companionship, social interaction, and activities.

Schedule

Flexible schedule to be coordinated with the intern and facility.