Social Work Intern

Program: Central | 115 East 13th Street, New York, NY 10003

We hope that you’ll consider an internship with us as you continue your education!

What You’ll Do

As a HELP USA Social Work Intern, you’ll work with one of our many programs that provide shelter and/or services to people currently or previously experiencing homelessness or seeking to prevent loss of their homes. You’ll have a first-hand opportunity to learn about the many ways we’re able to provide services to people in need by working directly with our clients and learning from your SIFI-certified supervisor. You’ll also be able to participate in trainings and activities with other participants in our Internship Program, and you’ll make great connections to grow your professional network. As an added plus, you’ll have priority for job openings after you graduate!

Your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting intake interviews and assessments for new clients and collaborating with other members of the service team to formulate a service plan and provide clinical services, conducting bio psychosocial assessments when appropriate.
• Meeting with clients regularly and co-facilitating workshops and groups according to the population needs.
• Advocating for clients and assisting in navigation of the service delivery system, serving as a liaison with various agencies, schools, health care providers, mental health providers, and employment training providers to ensure receipt of appropriate clinical and other services.
• Participating in team meetings, individual supervisory meetings, and case conferences and documenting all work with and on behalf of clients.

Programs and Locations:

Here's a list of our NYC program types and where each program type operates. We can't guarantee your internship program type or location, but we'll do our best to accommodate your preferences.  

Family Shelter

Our Family Shelters provide transitional housing for families with children who are experiencing homelessness. Each family has its own small apartment with a kitchen and bathroom. Our social services team works with each family to help identify the causes of their homelessness, develop an independent living plan, and find a home. 

Our participating Family Shelters are located in:

• Bronx (Crotona l, Crotona ll, Morris)

Single Adult Shelter

Our Single Adult Shelters provide transitional housing for single adult men or women who are experiencing homelessness. Each shelter houses either men or women in congregate settings with shared bathrooms and a cafeteria that provides daily meals. Our social services team works with each client to help identify the causes of their homelessness, develop an independent living plan, and find a home. 

Our participating Single Adult Shelters are located in: 

• Brooklyn (HELP Women’s Center, Brownsville Women’s Center)

Domestic Violence Program

HELP R.O.A.D.S. is a comprehensive, non-residential, individual and family safety program providing a variety of services designed to assist in empowering survivors of domestic violence, other crime victims, and their families. The program addresses the effects of abuse, neglect, and trauma; and helps survivors and their families achieve safety and long-term stability.

Our participating Domestic Violence Program is located in:

• Brooklyn

Supportive Housing Program

Our Supportive Housing Program provides supportive services to formerly homeless single adults with serious mental illness or co-occurring substance abuse. Our case management staff provide clinical care to the residents to support their journey to independent living and assist with community integration. 

Our participating Supportive Housing Programs are located in:

• Brooklyn (HELP ONE)
• Queens (Hollis)

Qualifications/School Credit:

Our Internship Program is open to first and second year BSW/MSW students at the schools listed below. If your school is not on this list, and you’re interested in an Internship with HELP, please ask your school representative to reach out to HELP USA to explore participation in our Internship Program.

This is an unpaid internship, and you must coordinate with your school to receive credit for your participation, (we’ll provide required documentation). We will work within your school’s requirements to make sure that you are scheduled for the number of hours and supervision as required by your program.

Participating Schools:

• Fordham University
• Hunter College
• New York University
• Rutgers University
• Yeshiva University