Summer 2025 Prevention and Community Engagement Intern

Organization Description

Family Futures’ mission is to shape a community in which all children are supported to reach their full potential. Our geographic focus is primarily Kent County, with some services extending into other local communities. We help children ages 0 through 5 by supporting parents, providing connections to resources and programs, and offering ways to monitor and enhance early childhood development.

We believe in supporting our employees, volunteers, and interns to be successful. Family Futures offers a strength-based, learning-driven, quality improvement-based culture that celebrates equity and diversity and provides an opportunity to grow while making an impact in your community. Family Futures values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages individuals with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.

Job Overview

The Prevention and Community Engagement Intern will gain hands-on experience in both macro social work and community outreach, supporting the Prevention Screen-Out Pathway partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and supporting the Family Futures’ Community Engagement team by engaging in community event planning and outreach efforts. This internship will provide a well-rounded opportunity to explore how upstream interventions can improve family outcomes while also actively engaging the community through events and resource connections.

This position involves a blend of data tracking, quality assurance, family engagement, and direct community outreach, making it ideal for students interested in social work, community organizing, event planning, advocacy, child development, or violence prevention.

This internship will run from May 12th, 2025, through August 29th, 2025, and will have a mandatory orientation on May 8th, 2025, from 9:00am-4:00pm at the Family Futures’ office.  This internship can also be extended into multiple internship periods ending in either December 2025 or May 2026. If interested in a longer internship period, please reach out to the hiring manager.

This internship position will receive a $500 stipend to help cover costs related to the internship (food, housing, transportation), and college credit can be earned.

Family Futures employees, volunteers, and interns serve as spokespersons and champions of Family Futures in the communities we serve. A position at Family Futures may entail the following:

·         Use of a personal vehicle

·         Lifting of boxes (roughly 25 lbs.)

·         Attendance at community events outside of regularly scheduled hours

·         Compliance with the COVID-19 vaccination mandate

For any adaptations or accommodations for the above, please reach out to the hiring manager.

Internship Responsibilities Prevention & Family Support

·         Assist with tracking and documentation of flexible funds for the Prevention Screen-Out Pathway

·         Input and analyze data in various program databases and spreadsheets

·         Work with the Prevention Screen-Out Pathway team to ensure prompt contacts and warm hand-offs are made within the program and externally

·         Support program quality assurance by reviewing processes and procedures for efficiency and effectiveness

·         If applicable, conduct strength-based outreach to parents at designated frequencies and complete required documentation

·         Collaborate with other interns and staff to revise Social Determinants of Health screenings using current best practices

Community Engagement & Outreach

·         Coordinate Family Futures’ representation at local community events

·         Assist in outreach planning as a key part of the Community Engagement team

·         Network with local businesses and organizations to help create successful events

·         Attend and staff tabling opportunities at local community events

·         Research and create developmentally appropriate activities for children and families

·         Assist with mailings, social media, and other communication efforts

·         May involve collecting data and information for basic report writing

Additional Responsibilities

·         Other duties as assigned

·         Approximately 50% of time in office, 50% out in the community

Required Qualifications

·         Current student in Social Work, Nonprofit Management, Human Services, Communications, Early Childhood Development, Community Engagement, or related field

·         Willingness to learn new things and broaden personal comfort zone

·         Interest in prevention-focused social work, community organizing, event planning, or advocacy

·         Strong written and verbal communication skills

·         Ability to multitask and work independently

·         Detail-oriented with effective time management and organizational skills

·         Microsoft Office skills

·         Ability to maintain confidentiality

·         At least 15 hours per week

Preferred Qualifications

·         Interest in event management, community outreach, or public policy

·         Creative, innovative, and adaptable

·         Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse groups of people

This role provides a unique hybrid experience, blending social work and community engagement for those looking to make a tangible impact. If you're passionate about supporting families and strengthening communities, we encourage you to apply!