Youth Program Intern

Safe Place for Youth; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 30,307; Part time

Job summary

Safe Place for Youth in Venice, CA is seeking a Youth Program Intern for a 200-hour, on-site internship at the Access Center. The role provides hands-on training, a development curriculum, and career-ready experiences, including resume writing, workplace communication, digital literacy, and job readiness.

Interns will graduate with updated resumes and references, with pathways into housing, clinical care, or further leadership as Peer Advocates.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Current Safe Place for Youth member receiving services.
• Valid Driver’s License or State ID required.
• Demonstrates active listening and reflective skills.
• Works well in a dynamic, team-based environment.
• Proactively learns and grows in role.
• Receives feedback well and communicates thoughtfully.
• Welcomes diverse perspectives and supports participation.

Responsibilities

• Participate in SPY orientation and in-service trainings.
• Apply trauma-informed, housing-first approaches when working with youth.
• Engage in case management activities and team discussions.
• Develop authentic relationships with SPY members and staff during Access Center hours.
• Support access center services (clothing closet, showers, laundry, meals).
• Under supervision, conduct intakes and refer youth to housing, mental health, education, and employment services.
• Collect and assess information to support safety, well-being, and progress.
• Record data in HMIS and SPY databases.

Skills

Active listening

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Clear communication

Job description

Job Title

Youth Program Intern

Reports To

Director of Access and Engagement

Location

Venice, CA – Access Center, On-site

Status

Part-time, 10‑15 hours per week (200 hours total), Non‑Exempt

Driver Position

No

Salary Range

$20.00 per hour

About Us

Safe Place for Youth (SPY) is the leading service provider for youth experiencing or at‑risk of homelessness in West Los Angeles. Founded in 2011, our agency offers trauma‑informed, low‑barrier programs that support young people in exiting the streets and achieving stability.

Our robust continuum of care includes street outreach, drop‑in services, health and wellness programming, case management, education and employment services, and housing programs.

SPY is a unique social impact agency that values community collaboration and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of youth. If you have the skills, passion, and collaborative spirit, join our growing team.

About the Role

The 200‑hour internship provides on‑the‑job training, a professional development curriculum, and support in identifying and transitioning into long‑term employment. Interns are placed in the Access Center (SPY’s Drop‑in Center on Lincoln Blvd). All interns will engage in SPY’s Career Series, which includes training in resume writing, workplace communication, digital literacy, and job readiness. Interns graduate with updated resumes, job references, and practical experience that prepares them to pursue external employment, education, or continued leadership as Peer Advocates.

The internship program also serves as a pipeline into SPY’s other services; all interns are offered support in accessing housing, clinical care, and education & employment services.

What You’ll Do

• Participate in SPY's orientation and in‑service training programs for professional staff and volunteers as needed.
• Use a trauma‑informed, housing‑first model when working with youth.
• Actively participate in case management activities and team discussions to build knowledge and practical skills.
• Develop authentic, positive, and supportive relationships with SPY members and staff, building rapport and providing direct support during Access Center drop‑in hours. Interns will increase their understanding of available services, resources, and coordinated care approaches.
• Support the SPY Access Center Team by handling frontline duties, including facilitating drop‑in center services (clothing closet, showers, laundry, meals).
• Under the supervision of SPY Mentor, conduct Access Center and Housing intakes, assess needs, and refer new youth to pertinent services/programs such as housing, mental health, benefits, education, and employment as needed. Develop individualized case plans that outline goals related to housing, education, employment, wellness, financial stability, and other identified areas of need.
• Collect and assess ongoing information to support participant safety, well‑being, and measurable progress toward established goals.
• Work within the Coordinated Entry System (CES), utilizing HMIS and SPY Database to track and record Drop‑in and Housing Case Management data.
• Under the supervision of the SPY management, complete and submit all required forms, case records, statistical reports, and related documentation within established timelines. This includes timely and accurate data entry for case and service plans, progress notes, youth agreements, resident progress trackers, and any other required records.
• Support SPY outreach team in conducting outreach and tracking new members, as needed.
• Attend SPY drop‑in center and housing team meetings.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be a current Safe Place for Youth member receiving services.
• Valid Driver’s License or State ID is required.
• Active listener; uses reflection techniques when working with others to learn their needs and interests.
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic work environment; willing to work as part of a team. Collaborative and efficient problem‑solving.
• Takes initiative; sets high standards for personal and team performance.
• Open to learning; willing to take a patient and consistent approach to one’s own development and growth.
• Takes direction easily and responds well to feedback.
• Thoughtful communicator; seeks to provide feedback in constructive ways.
• Welcoming personality; able to encourage and promote group and service participation.
• Is authentic and respectful of other members’ authenticity; appreciates diverse perspectives.
• Able to maintain a safe atmosphere for all people in the SPY environment.
• Willingness to work with folks of diverse experiences and backgrounds.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Changes in the environment, such as the office or outdoors.
• Physical effort/lifting, such as sedentary – up to 15‑20 pounds at times.

Special Conditions

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

COVID‑19 Vaccination Requirements

In an effort to stem the significant increase in COVID‑19 positive tests as a result of the Delta variant, the State Health Officer has issued an order, which went into effect on August 9, 2021, requiring paid and unpaid workers of homeless services organizations to provide proof of vaccination and/or booster (if eligible for the booster shot) or participate in weekly COVID‑19 testing if still not fully vaccinated. Please send proof of vaccination to [e-mail]. Failure to provide proof of vaccination will require the candidate to produce a negative test result within 72 hours of their first day of employment and commit to weekly testing. To request a reasonable accommodation or exemption, contact HR at [e-mail]. Please be mindful that these accommodations are limited in nature.

Driver Positions

Applicants are required to provide a copy of their valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Job offers are contingent upon a satisfactory driving record. For driver positions, driving is an essential job function and cannot be reasonably accommodated; employment may be discontinued if the driver’s license or insurance is lost.

Benefits & Perks

Safe Place for Youth offers a competitive benefits package including comprehensive health coverage, a 403b with agency contribution, and ample paid time off. We also offer unique perks including professional development opportunities that are tailored to your individual career growth.

EEO Statement

All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Safe Place for Youth does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law.

Safe Place for Youth is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment‑qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Please include references in your application.