SOCIAL WORK INTERN – STREET OUTREACH PROGRAM (SOP)
Organization: Good Shepherd Services
Location: New York City (Citywide Outreach – Mobile Van; Program Site in East Harlem)
Schedule: 17-20 hours per week
Internship Type: Field Placement with Seminar in Field Instruction
About the Program
The Street Outreach Program (SOP) provides direct outreach, engagement, and support to youth and young adults ages 18–24 experiencing homelessness, runaway status, or housing instability throughout New York City. Our team conducts outreach across the five boroughs, connecting young people to shelter, food, employment, healthcare, and mental health services.
Internship Overview
The Social Work Intern will work alongside outreach workers and clinical staff to engage young people in the community, provide resources and referrals, and support outreach activities. This field placement provides hands-on experience in community-based social work practice, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and multidisciplinary teamwork.
Key Responsibilities
· Participate in street outreach across New York City with outreach teams.
· Engage youth and young adults experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
· Help distribute basic needs supplies such as hygiene kits, snacks, and resource materials.
· Assist with referrals to shelters, drop-in centers, healthcare, and employment programs.
· Support staff with crisis intervention and psychoeducation when appropriate.
· Assist with documentation of outreach contacts and services.
· Attend staff meetings, outreach events, and program training.
Qualifications
· Currently enrolled in accredited BSW or MSW program requiring field placement.
· Interest in working with youth experiencing homelessness.
· Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to travel throughout New York City for outreach activities. .Commitment to trauma-informed and youth development approaches.
Skills Required
- Currently enrolled in an accredited BSW or MSW program requiring field placement
- Interest in working with youth experiencing homelessness
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to travel throughout New York City for outreach activities
- Commitment to trauma-informed and youth development approaches
What We Do
Good Shepherd Services is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children, youth, and families in New York City overcome challenges and gain skills for success. Through over 100 high-quality programs, they provide effective services that deepen connections within families, schools, and neighborhoods, working closely with community leaders to advocate for their participants and create a better city for all.
