Student Field Placement (Practicum/Internship)

PATH Inc.•Bloomington, IL

About The Position

The Student Field Placement (Practicum/Internship) position offers students the opportunity to gain real-world experience at PATH, under the guidance and support of staff. Students may be in high school, college, or a university program and may be completing an internship, practicum, service-learning project, or career exploration requirement. Students at PATH become part of a team that supports our McLean County neighbors who are experiencing crisis, housing instability, or other life challenges. This placement is ideal for students seeking to learn about social services and gain hands-on experience in a mission-driven setting. Students complete tasks that match their age, experience, and learning goals while learning how PATH builds trust, treats people with dignity, and provides support using trauma-informed and person-centered approaches. This placement focuses on workplace readiness, confidentiality, professionalism, and skill development through meaningful participation in daily work.

Requirements

You are participating in a school-supported placement program (high school, trade school, community college, university, or similar program).
You are interested in learning about social services and supporting community members in a respectful and caring way.
You can follow directions, ask for help when needed, and act professionally in a workplace setting.
You can attend consistently and follow the schedule agreed upon by PATH and your school.
You can complete required onboarding steps, which may include signing confidentiality forms, background screening (if required), and trainings.

Nice To Haves

Interest in social services, community support, or helping professions, and a desire to learn in a mission-driven organization.
Experience working with others through teamwork, customer service, volunteering, or school/community involvement.
Curiosity, reliability, and a positive attitude toward learning and helping people.

Responsibilities

Complete onboarding, orientation, and required training.
Keep all client and agency information private and follow confidentiality expectations.
Learn by observing staff, shadowing, and completing assigned tasks.
Support daily program activities in a helpful, respectful, and professional way.
Help create a welcoming environment where our McLean County neighbors feel respected, safe, and supported.
Assist with office and program tasks such as organizing supplies, preparing materials, filing, scanning, copying, and scheduling support (as appropriate).
Support PATH’s work with neighbors in ways that match the student’s role and readiness. This may include preparing resource packets, helping gather documents, assisting with appointment reminders, observing services, or helping staff with follow-up tasks.
Help with community activities such as events, outreach preparation, and distributing materials (as appropriate).
Communicate respectfully with neighbors, staff, and partners and maintain professional boundaries.
Attend supervision meetings and check-ins, ask questions, and use feedback to grow.
Track placement hours, complete required school paperwork, and meet deadlines.
Follow safety expectations and report concerns or unsafe situations to the supervisor immediately.
Complete other placement tasks assigned by the supervisor that match the learning plan.