AmeriCorps - Summer Experience in Aging Intern

Description

Civic Works strengthens Baltimore’s communities through education, skills development, and community service.  Civic Works goals are to Build Brighter Futures through education and job training, grow Healthy Food and Green Communities, and create Safe and Affordable Housing.

Program Mission and/or Goals:  

The Summer Experience in Aging Program (S.E.A) provides a summer internship opportunity to undergraduate Social Work/Human Service major students to explore what a career in Aging might look like in several different practice settings / agencies. The main goal of the program is to heighten awareness of the needs of the Aging population and how beneficial it can be to work with older adults, through building a cohort of students / professionals that can network, grow, and learn together as they develop their careers in Social Work and Human Services. Opportunities for Interns Interns will have the opportunity to acquire a variety of skills and learning experiences including but not limited to:

● How to assess the needs of older adults

● Learn to complete benefit screenings and applications

● Work on collaborative programming and work with multidisciplinary teams

● Interact with older adults in crisis settings

● Identifying the unique financial needs of older adults

● Contribute to research and advocacy efforts on issues facing older adults

● Participate in outreach activities

● Plan educational activities and social events

● Create marketing material specific to older adults

● Attend community meetings

There will be a cohort of 20 social work interns serving AmeriCorps terms across different sites that have a particular focus on working with the Aging population in Baltimore City and County.  The 20 interns will work together as a cohort and attend monthly case study meetings/trainings.  Each meeting will have a complex issue and case presented by a partner agency.  The interns will work in small groups using what they have learned from each of their placements to come up with resolutions for the older adults in the case study.  The Summer will conclude with a large networking and award reception where aging professionals will be invited to attend to share their experiences and hear the experiences of the interns.  Interns from previous cohorts will be asked to come speak to the incoming cohort on their experiences and career track following their completion of the program as well.

Anticipated Learning Results

By the end of the summer we anticipate each intern will have a better understanding of:

● The role of social work in a multidisciplinary team

● Community based resources for older adults

● How aging organizations collaborate to support older adults

● Aging in place

● Building Rapport

● Social Determinants of Health

● Needs of Caregivers

● Advocating for older adults

● Build a professional network and create potential career paths

● The current and historical context of oppression and inequality low and moderate income older adults face and are able to connect it to access opportunities and resources.

● How to develop person centered goals 

Qualifications

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Familiarity with Google Drive Suite, Familiarity with Human Services preferred but not required

Required Academic and Experience Qualifications:  

Members must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at a four year college or university, preferably in one of the following areas: human services management, social work, health systems management, social sciences (e.g., anthropology, sociology, political science, etc.), public administration, and non-profit management.

Other Requirements:

● Background Check & Drug Test Required

● Must have reliable access to transportation

● Submission of a Personal Statement (no more than 250 words)