Human Services Basic Needs Support Intern

Human Services Basic Needs Support Intern at Inside Higher Ed

The Human Services Intern will support the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities by assisting students facing food insecurity, homelessness, or housing instability. Under the supervision of the Coordinator for Support Services/Dean of Students, the intern will engage in meaningful, direct service interactions, resource coordination, and outreach efforts that align with their academic learning and professional development in the human services field.

Primary Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide peer-level assistance to students experiencing basic needs challenges, including referrals to food, housing, and emergency support resources.
• Support the operation and promotion of basic needs services, such as micro-food pantry distributions, hygiene product kits, and short-term assistance programs.
• Assist with intake, needs assessments, and appropriate follow-up communication with referred students.
• Help coordinate and participate in events, tabling, and workshops related to student support and wellness.
• Create or distribute educational materials to increase awareness of campus and community resources.
• Maintain professional confidentiality at all times in compliance with FERPA and college policies.
• Track service activities and hours for required course documentation.

Internship & Course Requirements (HUS-210)

• Meet all course prerequisites (unless waived by department consent) and be registered for HUS-210 during the same semester as the internship.
• Pay all tuition and fees in accordance with standard college policies.
• Begin the internship within the first two weeks of the term and complete at least 150 hours of direct client contact during the 16-week semester.
• Submit required documentation including:
  • Time log and reflective journal at midterm and final submission. The journal should demonstrate personal insight, reflections on client interaction, and learning outcomes—not just a list of tasks.
  • Final supervisor evaluation form, which the student must ensure is completed and submitted to the instructor.
• Attend all required internship course seminars/classes and participate in course evaluation procedures.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in the Associate of Applied Science in Human Services program.
• Eligible and registered for HUS-210 in the semester of internship placement.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and a desire to serve diverse student populations.
• Reliable, professional, and committed to ethical standards in student/client service.
• Basic computer literacy (e.g., Microsoft Office, email, online forms).
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to follow through on assignments.
• Able to work independently and maintain accurate time and activity records.
• Familiarity with campus services and community support systems is a plus.

Learning Outcomes

By completing this internship, students will:

• Demonstrate competency in providing trauma-informed, resource-driven assistance to college students in crisis.
• Gain firsthand experience working with clients facing food and housing insecurity.
• Apply classroom learning in a real-world college support services environment.
• Develop professional documentation, communication, and client advocacy skills.

Key skills/competency

• Basic Needs Support
• Student Services
• Resource Coordination
• Client Intake
• Confidentiality (FERPA)
• Interpersonal Communication
• Crisis Intervention
• Outreach Programs
• Data Tracking
• Ethical Standards