Social Work Intern

Department: Research & Operations

Reports To: Research/Operations Department Chair

Purpose of the Role:

The Social Work Intern at Unity Bands will play a vital role in supporting the organization's volunteer engagement, community outreach, and support programs aimed at assisting healthcare workers. This internship provides hands-on experience in a nonprofit setting, allowing interns to apply social work principles while gaining practical skills in case management, advocacy, resource coordination, and program development.

This position is an excellent opportunity for both bachelor's and master's students in social work to build real-world experience, develop their professional competencies, and make a tangible impact. Additionally, this internship qualifies for college credit, and as Unity Bands continues to scale, paid opportunities may become available in the future.

Key Responsibilities:

Case Management & Volunteer Support:

• Assist in assessing the needs of volunteers and community members to ensure a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Provide guidance and emotional support to volunteers, ensuring their well-being while they serve the organization's mission.
• Help connect volunteers and community members with mental health resources, self-care practices, and support networks.

Community Outreach & Advocacy:

• Develop and implement community engagement strategies to promote awareness and involvement.
• Advocate for the needs of healthcare workers and volunteers through educational initiatives and outreach programs.
• Establish and maintain relationships with partner organizations, social services, and community resources.

Program Development & Implementation:

• Assist in designing, coordinating, and evaluating wellness programs aimed at supporting healthcare workers.
• Conduct research on best practices in volunteer management, mental health support, and nonprofit social work initiatives.
• Develop and distribute informational materials related to self-care, burnout prevention, and mental health awareness.

Collaboration & Teamwork:

• Work closely with the Social Work Supervisor, HR team, and other interns to support social work and wellness initiatives.
• Participate in team meetings to contribute insights and recommendations for program improvement.
• Support interdisciplinary collaboration with other departments to enhance the impact of social work efforts.

Professional Development:

• Attend trainings, mentorship sessions, and networking opportunities to develop skills in nonprofit social work, case management, and advocacy.
• Gain experience in report writing, assessment techniques, and ethical considerations in nonprofit social work.
• Receive supervision and guidance from experienced social work professionals to meet academic field placement requirements.

Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field.
• Passion for community outreach, social justice, mental health, and nonprofit work.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism and confidentiality.
• Experience or coursework related to case management, advocacy, or community engagement is preferred.

Competencies:

• Empathy & Active Listening
• Case Management & Advocacy
• Community Engagement & Outreach
• Collaboration & Teamwork
• Cultural Competency & Inclusivity

Time Commitment:

This is a volunteer position requiring approximately 1-10 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate school schedules and field placement requirements.

Benefits of This Internship:

Hands-on experience in social work within a nonprofit setting.
Eligible for college credit (subject to university approval).
Opportunities for networking and mentorship from experienced professionals.
Experience in case management, community outreach, and advocacy.
As Unity Bands scales, future paid opportunities may become available.