Student - Human Resource Intern Work Study

Purdue University; Merrillville (IN); Hybrid; USD 13,638 - 19,424; Part time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization in Merrillville, IN is seeking a Human Resources Intern to support people operations through recruitment, onboarding, and employee engagement initiatives. This role offers flexible hours, with an expectation of a minimum of 8 hours per week. Interns will gain hands-on HR experience while contributing to a supportive work culture, making an impactful contribution to community service. Pay is $12/hour, with opportunities to earn volunteer hours or internship credit.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Interest in human resources or nonprofit operations.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
• Comfortable with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Detail-oriented and proactive.

Responsibilities

• Assist with posting job openings and screening resumes.
• Support onboarding processes and organize employee records.
• Help plan employee engagement initiatives and support HR operations.
• Provide general administrative support to the HR department.

Skills

Strong communication and organizational skills

Interest in human resources, business administration, or nonprofit operations

Ability to handle sensitive information appropriately

Comfortable with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace

Detail-oriented, dependable, and proactive

Education

PNW Work-Study Student

Job description

Job Summary

The Human Resources (HR) Intern supports the organization’s people operations by assisting with recruitment, onboarding, employee engagement, and administrative HR functions. This role provides hands-on experience in nonprofit HR while contributing to a positive and supportive workplace culture that enables staff and volunteers to serve the community effectively.

Pay: $12/hour

Location: Meals on Wheels, Merrillville, IN

Position Type: Human Resources / Internship

Schedule: Flexible hours – Monday through Friday (minimum 8 hours/week preferred) Office hours are 8am-4pm.

Reports To: Human Resources / Director of Operations

About Us

Since 1977, Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana has delivered over 10 million meals to neighbors in need—seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, children, cancer patients, pregnant women, and others facing barriers to nutrition and social connection.

Responsibilities

HR Administration & Recruitment

• Assist with posting job and internship openings on various platforms


• Screen resumes and help coordinate interviews with candidates


• Support onboarding processes, including preparing new hire materials and documentation


• Maintain and organize employee records in compliance with confidentiality standards


• Assist with tracking employee information, attendance, and HR databases

Employee Engagement & Support

• Help plan and support employee engagement initiatives, recognition programs, or team-building activities


• Assist with internal communications, including staff updates or newsletters


• Support coordination of trainings, orientations, and staff meetings


• Provide general administrative support to the HR department

Compliance & Operations Support

• Assist in ensuring HR files and processes are aligned with organizational policies


• Help update HR documents, handbooks, or internal procedures as needed
  
• Support special HR projects and research assignments

Education

• PNW Work-Study Student

Qualifications

• Strong communication and organizational skills


• Interest in human resources, business administration, or nonprofit operations


• Ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism and confidentiality


• Comfortable with basic computer applications (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace)


• Detail-oriented, dependable, and proactive


• Commitment to the mission of Meals on Wheels and respect for diverse populations

(Preferred but not required)

• Previous administrative or HR-related experience


• Familiarity with HR systems or applicant tracking tools

Training & Support

Intern will receive orientation and training from the HR team. Ongoing guidance and mentorship will be provided, with opportunities to learn across multiple HR functions and collaborate with staff across departments.

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience in human resources within a nonprofit organization


• Exposure to recruitment, onboarding, and employee engagement practices


• Development of professional skills in communication, organization, and workplace operations


• Opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven team making a meaningful local impact


• Earn volunteer hours or internship credit (if applicable)

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

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