Social Services Internship (MD)

Internship Title: Social Services Intern 

Internship Description: Ayuda’s Social Service internship is designed for a student/volunteer who is interested in social work, psychology, vulnerable populations, and community advocacy. The internship provides opportunities to learn about immigrant experiences and trauma; and practice cultural humility, critical thinking, direct practice with individuals and families, collaborating with other organizations, and program planning. The Social Service intern will have the opportunity to work with the Social Service team in implementing Ayuda’s programs, and assisting case managers, and social workers who aid and support clients.  

Ayuda is a non-profit organization assisting immigrants, survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking in the DMV Area (DC, Maryland, Virginia). Ayuda provides social services and legal services to their clients. Social services include therapy, case management, and advocacy. 

The fall internship lasts from late August/early September up until mid-December the latest. We have 2 intern spots available within our Social Services department for our Fall 2024 cohort across our three offices. Specific office capacity is as follows: 

• MD Office (Silver Spring, MD): 2 internship opening

Interns work in a busy environment. The ability to maintain focus and adjust to unexpected situations, as well as a strong comfort level working with survivors of trauma from difficult backgrounds, are required. Spanish language fluency will be required from applicants applying and will be checked during the interview.  

Department Assisting: Ayuda’s Social Services Departments 

Individuals Responsible to: Specific supervisors/staff responsible to are as follows: 

• MD Office (Silver Spring, MD): Maria Vethencourt, MD Office Social Services Manager; Nuri Martinez-Molina, Senior Case Manager; Ivonne Diaz, Senior Case Manager

 Responsibilities:  

• Provide supportive services to case managers and to clients
• Research and provide referrals for clients in needs of services
• Follow-up with clients after meetings
• Provide accompaniment for clients during appointments
• Assist in gathering and organizing client data and documentation
• Assist in planning outreach events and potential groups
• Obtain knowledge of Ayuda and its programs and services
• Attend and participate in regularly occurring department and supervisor check-ins
• Assist with digitization project – Ayuda SS dept is going virtual and intern will assist case managers move physical files to a digital platform.
• Assist with surveying – intern will play a crucial role in completing survey to all social service clients
• Support the functioning of the Food Pantry (DC Office) & Diaper Bank (MD Office)

Qualifications: 

• Required:
  • Undergraduate student or recent college graduate
  • Verbal and written communications skills in Spanish and English
  • Based in the DMV region. Able to report to assigned office multiple times a week.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) and basic computer literacy
  • Emotional maturity, stability, and resilience
  • Excellent social skills that facilitate authentic, empathetic, and friendly communication
  • Demonstrated experience, comfort, and sensitivity working in multi-cultural environments
  • Positive, flexible and energetic attitude
  • Experience, competence, and confidence working independently and as part of a team
  • General ease of movement between multiple projects and priorities
  • Ability to follow directions, work well under pressure, and maintain composure during stressful situations
  • Ability to abide by professional boundaries and strict confidentiality rules
  • Willingness to learn new skills and ability in working with survivors of trauma
  • Ownership and initiative, natural self-starter
  • Demonstrated resourcefulness and strong research skills
• Preferred:
  • Upperclassmen undergraduate student (Junior or Senior) / recent college graduate
  • Previous experience working with a nonprofit, community-based, or social services organization
  • Previous experience helping, supporting, or working with immigrants/immigration groups
  • Previous experience working with victims of trauma, abuse, or domestic violence

Commitment: We are looking for fall interns who can dedicate 16 - 24 hours per week for 12 - 14 weeks to providing administrative and programmatic support. The internship would begin around late August/early September till the middle of December, if not earlier. The exact start and end dates are flexible. Interns are expected to assist with internship responsibilities at least 2 days a week with 1 – 2 days needed in person depending on the office. Internship specifics for each office are noted below:  

• MD Office (Silver Spring, MD): 16 – 24 hours a week, 1 in person day (Tuesdays)

Compensation: This is an unpaid internship perfect for undergraduate or graduate students looking to gain professional work experience in a very supportive environment committed to having a positive impact.  We will work with your institution or university to ensure that you are able to receive academic credit for the internship if applicable. 

Technology Needed: We will provide the intern with a laptop, and they will need to have access to reliable internet connection on remote days for video conferences and email communication. 

Application: Please apply with a one-page letter of interest addressed to Ayuda with specific reference to offices applying to and a current one-page resume. Applications can be emailed to admininternships@ayuda.com. Due to the heavy volume of applications received, we ask applicants to refrain from contacting us about applications status as all applicants will either be contacted for an interview request or upon the completion of our recruitment.  

Ayuda values an inclusive, diverse workplace and does not unlawfully discriminate on any basis prohibited by law. Ayuda is also committed to equal employment opportunity. Employment decisions are made consistent with both Ayuda's organizational values and the law, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. We also strongly encourage applications from people with lived experiences in the communities we serve.