Disability Services Summer Work Experience

About CHOICE: For over 50 years, CHOICE has been creating partnerships and programs that enrich the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities. Through skill-building and educational programs, supported employment, therapeutic recreation, and community integration, our non-profit organization supports participants to achieve the life they so desire for themselves. Our motto is "No Limits", and our goal is to remove any perceived barriers to enable our clients to realize their full potential, and to experience all that their community has to offer. When you join our team at CHOICE, you help people with disabilities feel a sense of purpose, achievement, and belonging.

About the Summer Work / Internship Experience: Working under the supervision of a Program Director and receiving mentorship from veteran coworkers, the Summer Intern works directly with our clients, providing daily supports and services both in the facility and in the community. Additionally, the intern will have opportunities to observe and learn about the various administrative departments and functions within a non-profit organization, including Case Management, Marketing, Fundraising, Billing, Development, and Strategic Planning. The Summer Intern will be assigned 1-2 goals with measurable outcomes, and will have the opportunity to meet with their Supervisor for weekly check-ins on their goal progress.

Primary Responsibilities: A Summer Intern at CHOICE coaches and supports people with intellectual disabilities at our centers and in the community, by providing the following services:

-Education and Enrichment: Plan and implement educational and life-enrichment programs in our facilities, and actively engage participants in the activity. Employees and Interns are strongly encouraged to share their individual talents, interests, and hobbies with our participants. Some topics include: health and fitness, sports, cooking, sensory integration, travel, art, music, animals, independent living skills, and much more.

-Employment Support: Provide training, coaching, and modifications to our participants who are competitively employed in community-based job settings, or for those who hold volunteer positions with various agencies.

-Community Engagement: Provide the necessary supports for participants to safely access and participate in community-based recreational activities. This includes driving company vehicles to transport participants to and from community locations. Some examples include museums, sporting events, zoos, parks, and adaptive activities.

*The Summer Intern will always be accompanied by a full time CHOICE employee when working in the community (outside of the licensed facility).

-Specialized Adaptive Programs: If interests align, the intern will have the opportunity to work within our award-winning adaptive health and fitness program known as the SHAPE program, OR within our specialized arts and creative expression program known as "CHOICE Studio".

-General supervision and support: Provide basic supervision and care to ensure that participants have a safe and effective environment to come to each day. Work one-on-one with participants to support them to work towards their personal goals. Assist participants with activities of daily living when support is requested. Build trusting relationships with the people you serve, and advocate for their expressed needs and desires.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Working towards a 4-year Bachelors Degree at an accredited college or university
• Has completed at least two years of college education
• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record required
• Must pass criminal background study
• Ability to physically bend, stoop, reach, and lift at least 40 pounds
• Ability to communicate and present oneself with a professional demeanor

Preferred:

• At least 1 year of experience working with or interacting with people with disabilities is preferred, but not required. Training will be provided.
• Field of study related to Human Services, Social Work, or Non-profit Management is preferred, but we are willing to consider all majors.

Schedule & Hours: The Summer Intern typically works full time, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:15 AM - 3:15 PM. All work is done in office. Remote work is not currently available. Part-time work may be also considered, depending on the current needs of your assigned location.

CHOICE is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance.