Internship, Neighbor Services

Description

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Focused on uplifting our neighbors toward long-term sustainability, Feeding Tampa Bay nourishes human potential by providing access to food and then leveraging that access to connect those we serve with empowering resources. 

At Feeding Tampa Bay, we are on a united path to transform our community. We thoughtfully drive change while embracing and celebrating our collective impact, as well as the impact of each individual. Through our Grow Code, we strive to honor all, conquer together, be imaginist, speak with truth, and stay rooted in the mission of Feeding Tampa Bay.

SUMMARY

Feeding Tampa Bay’s Neighbor Services program helps with more than just food. We know that surrounding hunger is often challenged with meeting other basic needs,  like finding adequate housing, understanding health care options, locating transportation help, or accessing services to support individuals and families. Our trained team cares about our community and works one-on-one to help neighbors navigate an often complicated social services system. 

We aim to empower our community to utilize resources and services that reduce challenges caused by financial crisis. We equip neighbors with knowledge, resources, and opportunities to advance economic mobility, empowering neighbors to have a brighter, healthier future. 

Full-time and part-time placements are available depending on the intern’s degree program and educational requirements. Interns are expected to complete hours in-person under the supervision of their assigned MSW or Task Supervisor. Virtual and work-from-home opportunities are only available on a case-by-case basis with the prior approval of the student's supervisor.

JOB OVERVIEW

Accepted applicants are placed into one of three internship tracks—Generalist, Workforce Development, or Macro Social Work—based on degree requirements and mutual agreement with the Field Supervisor. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Generalist

• Learn the various day to day roles of the FTB Neighbor Services team from Neighbor Entrypoint, Intake, FTB Service Provision, and referral to onsite Community Partners
• Monitor Neighbor Helpline calls and requests to Feeding Tampa Bay and respond to inquiries regarding FTB programming and services.
• Provide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) application assistance- all training and certification will be provided by FTB Staff
• Engage with and support Neighbor Services Programs such as s’well, Pathways to Prosperity, or Baby Formula + Essentials
• Learn to use FTB’s client record management system and maintain detailed notes in FTB’s internal data collection system and report relevant data for program improvement
• Provide SNAP outreach support as needed for Feeding Tampa Bay partner agencies, at Trinity Cafe, Community Events and Mobile Pantry distributions, etc. as needed

Workforce Development

• Task Supervisor: Senior Director of Workforce Development
• Talk with neighbors about available Workforce Development services and career pathways and make referral to the team
• Support basic Workforce Development outreach, research, and activities as needed
• Connect neighbors and provide referrals to job training programs and employment services.
• Help identify neighbors who need résumé reviews, mock interviews, job referrals, or employment assistance.
• Refer neighbors to the appropriate Workforce Development team member for support.
• Assist with scheduling, follow-up, basic documentation, and tracking of neighbor referrals.

MSW- Macro Social Work/Social Leadership 

• Work alongside Neighbor Services Leadership to support the development, daily operations, and direct execution of programs.
• Conduct targeted research and provide foundational support for new Neighbor Services operational initiatives and program design.
• Learn and support collaborative partnerships with external organizations to streamline community resources and drive local systems integration.
• Partner with the Neighbor Services Impact team to conduct systematic program evaluations and quality-assurance auditing.
• Work directly with the Senior Director of Neighbor Experience to execute high-level organizational strategy and drive new business opportunities.

All Interns 

• Participate in Weekly supervision with MSW Supervisor
• Assist other Feeding Tampa Bay staff on special projects
• Demonstrate a pleasant, professional and helpful attitude at all times
• Commit to upholding FTB’s “Grow Code”, workplace policies and principles, and best practices for food safety.
• Maintain and communicate school requirements in a timely manner
• Maintain accurate records of hours served during placement.
• Proficiency in languages other than English are a plus.

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

• While clinical aspects of social work are utilized, this internship does not classify as a “clinical placement.”
• Must be currently enrolled in an educational program focusing on social work, social services, human services, or  counseling 
  • Other educational fields will be considered on a case by case basis depending on student placement needs, degree requirements, and FTB current program capacity
  • Associates, Bachelors, Masters, and PhD students are eligible for placement in Feeding Tampa Bay’s internship program, but job responsibilities will vary based on level of experience and requirements of individual programs. 
• Our program is flexible when possible with students outside schedule requirements, but depending on program requirements cannot guarantee hours outside of the traditional work day
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and writing
• Ability to communicate comfortably with clients both in person and over the phone including making cold calls to initiate services
• Ability to work in low-income, culturally diverse, community settings and a basic understanding of the challenges and barriers faced when individuals and families seek assistance
• Ability to work well with non-English speaking populations, in low-income areas, and with children and families, or seniors, etc. 
• Ability to manage and document deliverables and data from a number of sources. Spreadsheet skills a must. 
• Ability to work constructively with individuals (agency staff, the public, and volunteers) from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds in culturally diverse work environments. 
• Demonstrated skills with Microsoft Word Office Suite of applications, ability to learn and use Google Suite.
• Demonstrated ability to be timely in terms of handing in deliverables and maintaining agreed upon work hours. 

HOW TO APPLY: If interested in field placement with the Feeding Tampa Bay Empowerment team please submit a copy of your resume and personal statement to the FTB recruitment team and you will be contacted for an interview and/or other next steps.