Social Work/Human Services Internship - Paid

Job Description:  Restorative Justice and Teen Court Intern 

Paid Internship: $500 Per Semester (Hiring for Fall and Spring Semesters) 

Hours:  10-15 hour per week 

Locations: 

Central:  3505 N. Washington Blvd. Indianapolis IN. 46205 

South:  435 E. Main St., Ste. 100 Greenwood IN. 46143 

This position reports to: Restorative Justice Directors  

History and Mission 

Reach For Youth, Inc. was established in 1974 by a coalition of south-side Indianapolis community leaders concerned about the lack of services and programs in their neighborhood. Today we serve over 2000 youth and their families throughout Central Indiana, providing mental health counseling, intervention, restorative justice programs, and a host of other prevention services that provide opportunities to youth and strengthen families.  Our purpose: Advocacy for traditionally underrepresented community members; Resiliency and emotional security are primary goals of services; Social justice perspectives are built-in to all agency services. We currently serve youth and families in two building locations: downtown and Johnson County. Reach For Youth’s mission is to provide second chances through prevention, intervention and counseling.  Our vision: Every youth can succeed.  

DIVERSITY STATEMENT:  

Reach For Youth, Inc. defines diversity in its broadest context to include all that makes us unique: race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability status, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, educational background, socioeconomic status, intellectual perspective, and organizational level.    

Reach For Youth, Inc., aims to be inclusive and celebrate diversity in all aspects of our operations, including hiring of staff, Board of Directors, and leadership, securing vendors, communications, community outreach and programming.  Being inclusive and mindful of the diversity of our community helps us better relate to our client base, be a more inclusive workforce, and achieve our mission to be a key resource to youth and their families in Central Indiana. 

Programs and Services 

Reach For Youth is unique in its delivery of services to youth and parents. Its mission is fulfilled through two primary service aims: mental health counseling services and restorative justice prevention/intervention. Mental Health services include individual, family, and a variety of educational and therapeutic groups.  We have developed a new initiative, R.E.A.C.H., a unique two-generation approach that incorporates mental health, social and emotional learning skills, along with career readiness skills.  We are committed to providing evidenced-based, innovative, and culturally sensitive services that will foster transformative change for youth and their families throughout Central Indiana. As a member of our team at Reach for Youth, you will be at the forefront of building collaborative partnerships with community agencies, schools, and centers who want parents and youth to have strong futures. Restorative Justice prevention and intervention includes Teen Court – a peer–to–peer positive youth development program for youth in Marion and Johnson counties, Peer Justice Council, Alternatives to Expulsion Forums, and educational workshops. 

Position Summary:   

The interns will be a part of the key leadership team, working alongside other region Outreach Directors and the Teen Court Director to assist the agency in assuring the organization’s mission is carried forward through its community programs:  R.E.A.C.H., Social Emotional Learning, Restorative Justice and in-school Teen  Court, constantly seeking new and innovative ways to increase capacity and serve more families in Central Indiana. Additional responsibilities will include case management to connect school and clinical participants to needed community resources.   

Qualifications:   

• Pursuit of a bachelor’s/associates degree in social work, Criminal Justice, Human Services or related field at an accredited college or university. 
• Must agree to the organization’s confidentiality statement.  
• Access to reliable transportation and willing to drive to various community sites. 
• Demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of the cultural and socioeconomic status of the clients served and the issues they face.  
• Preferred experience in Microsoft Office. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Ability to work well as a member of a team. 
• Must be self-motivated. 
• Ability to accurately document and complete assignments by their respective due dates.   
• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail. 

Essential Tasks: 

Assist in the teaching and training of the SEL model to student and parent participants.   

Work closely with Directors regarding communication of program needs, referral of responding to project questions, and assisting to resolve issues related to compliance SEL protocols. 

Support and assist Directors as needed, including community outreach efforts, case management, program facilitation, and data collection and entry. 

Assist in developing community partners, build strong relationships, implement programming, and ensure evaluation of restorative justice programs in community settings in the community. 

Assist in recruiting and training agency volunteers (youth and adults). 

Assist in tracking and scheduling client referrals. 

Attend organization events and staff meetings. 

Perform other related duties as required. 

Benefits of This Internship: 

Work experience to enhance the strength of your resume. 

Hands on experience working in the human service field. 

Gain knowledge of restorative justice programs. 

Knowledge of working with people from diverse backgrounds. 

Excellent work experience with youth and families  

Opportunity to participate and be active with a dynamic team of social service providers. 

On-going support, supervision and recognition. 

Notice of Nondiscrimination: Reach For Youth, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Reach For Youth, Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.  

Reach For Youth, Inc. expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Reach For Youth, Inc.’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.