Youth Program Intern

About the role

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).

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Increase 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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 ID is 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.
• Able to maintain a safe atmosphere for all people in the SPY environment.
• Willingness to work with folks of diverse experiences and backgrounds.

Skills

• 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 ID is 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.
• Able to maintain a safe atmosphere for all people in the SPY environment.
• Willingness to work with folks of diverse experiences and backgrounds.

Benefits & Perks

• Comprehensive health coverage.
• 403b with agency contribution.
• Affluent paid time off.
• Professional development opportunities.

EEO Statement

All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Safe Place for Youth does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law. Safe Place for Youth is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.