MSW Youth Housing & Outreach Intern (55102)

YSS•Des Moines, IA

18d

About The Position

Meet youth where they are—and help them build where they’re going. YSS is looking for a compassionate and gregarious MSW Youth Housing & Outreach Intern who is eager to learn and ready to help. This MSW level internship provides advanced training in youth homelessness through housing based programming, drop in center services, and street outreach. The placement is intentionally non clinical and focuses on engagement, stabilization, independent living skill development, crisis response, and systems navigation for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness. Interns work within a multidisciplinary, trauma informed model emphasizing relationship based practice and harm reduction. This internship prepares MSW students for careers in youth homelessness, housing services, outreach, and community‑based systems by providing immersive experience in program‑based housing and street-level engagement, rather than short‑term rental assistance models.

Requirements

Master’s degree in social work or degree in progress.
Familiar with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and data entry.
Possesses general understanding of the issues facing at-risk youth and their families.
Transporting participants is required for this position. For YSS insurance purposes, you must: be 21 years of age, have a current, valid, state-issued, driver’s license, and have a clean driving record.

Nice To Haves

Excellent observational, listening, verbal, and writing skills and fluency in English.
Maintains confidentiality and establishes appropriate boundaries.
Takes initiative and effectively manages one’s own time and work.
Recognizes the needs of diverse stakeholders.
Exhibits a positive, team-based approach to treatment and working with clients.
Patient and empathetic with the ability to relate to diverse populations.
Be rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
Bring humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.
Speaks a language in addition to English (especially one spoken in our communities).
Have you navigated recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, trauma, or housing instability? Your lived experience offers a unique, compassionate perspective that can inspire real change . By sharing your story and serving as a role model or mentor, you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families. Your journey matters . If you’re ready to use it to uplift and empower others , we warmly encourage you to apply.

Responsibilities

Transitional Living Program (TLP) – Program Based Housing
Support youth residing in site based transitional housing for up to 21 months.
Assist youth with independent living skills including budgeting, employment readiness, education planning, household management, and self advocacy.
Support structured programming such as life skills groups, community meetings, and goal setting activities.
Collaborate with case managers to monitor progress toward housing stability and self sufficiency goals.
Provide consistent, relationship based support and supervision within housing settings.
Assist with documentation related to services, participation, and outcomes.
Youth Opportunity Center (YOC) Drop In Services
Engage youth accessing drop in services using strengths based and trauma informed approaches.
Support immediate needs including basic necessities, referrals, safety planning, and stabilization.
Assist with drop in programming, workshops, and informal skill building activities.
Build report with youth who may be disconnected from formal systems or services.
Support coordination with housing, education, employment, and behavioral health resources.
Help maintain a welcoming, inclusive, and youth centered environment.
Street Outreach Services
Participate in outreach with trained staff to engage unsheltered youth and young adults.
Apply harm reduction, trauma informed, and non coercive engagement strategies.
Assist with outreach preparation, supply distribution, and follow up contacts.
Support referrals to shelter, housing programs, drop in services, and community resources.
Document outreach contacts and service connections in accordance with program standards.