Program: HELP USA | Multiple locations in NYC

We hope you’ll consider an internship with us as you continue your education!

What You’ll Do

As a HELP USA Social Work Intern, you’ll work with one of our many programs that provide shelter and/or services to people currently or previously experiencing homelessness or seeking to prevent loss of their homes. You’ll have a first-hand opportunity to learn about the many ways we’re able to provide services to people in need by working directly with our clients and learning from your SIFI-certified supervisor. You’ll also be able to participate in training and activities with other participants in our Internship Program, and you’ll make great connections to grow your professional network. As an added plus, you’ll have priority for job openings after you graduate!

Your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting intake interviews and assessments for new clients and collaborating with other members of the service team to formulate a service plan and provide clinical services, conducting biopsychosocial assessments when appropriate.
• Meeting with clients regularly and co-facilitating workshops and groups according to the population's needs.
• Advocating for clients and assisting in navigation of the service delivery system, serving as a liaison with various agencies, schools, health care providers, mental health providers, and employment training providers to ensure receipt of appropriate clinical and other services.
• Participating in team meetings, individual supervisory meetings, and case conferences, and documenting all work with and on behalf of clients.

Programs and Locations:

Here's a list of our NYC program types and where each program type operates. We can't guarantee your internship program type or location, but we'll do our best to accommodate your preferences.  

Family Shelter

Our Family Shelters provide transitional housing for families with children who are experiencing homelessness. Each family has its own small apartment with a kitchen and bathroom. Our social services team works with each family to help identify the causes of their homelessness, develop an independent living plan, and find a home. 

Our participating Family Shelters are located in:

• Bronx (Crotona l, Morris)
• Brooklyn (New Horizons)
• Queens (Anchor Inn)

Domestic Violence Shelter

HELP Haven provides emergency services, trauma-informed care, and a safe environment for women, men, and children who are survivors of domestic violence. The length of stay for families at Haven is generally six months, and single women and men stay about 90 days. Our social service, clinical, and housing teams work with each client to locate housing in a safe borough.

Our Domestic Violence Shelter is located in:

• Manhattan

Domestic Violence Program

HELP R.O.A.D.S. is a comprehensive, non-residential, individual and family safety program providing a variety of services designed to assist in empowering survivors of domestic violence, other crime victims, and their families. The program addresses the effects of abuse, neglect, and trauma and helps survivors and their families achieve safety and long-term stability.

Our participating Domestic Violence Program is located in:

• Brooklyn

Mental Health Shelter

Our Mental Health Programs provide therapeutic services to single men who have a mental health diagnosis or are experiencing mental health symptoms.  The men reside in a congregate setting or a single unit, depending on their mental health needs. Our clinical, housing, and social service teams collaborate to assist with the stabilization of each individual's mental health needs in order to identify a concrete housing plan.

Our Mental Health Shelter is located in:

• Wards Island (aka Randall's Island), located between Manhattan & the Bronx (Clarke Thomas)

Supportive Housing Program

Our Supportive Housing Program provides supportive services to formerly homeless single adults with serious mental illness or co-occurring substance use. Our case management staff provides clinical care to the residents to support their journey to independent living and assist with community integration. 

Our participating Supportive Housing Programs are located in:

• Brooklyn (HELP ONE, Genesis Homes)

Qualifications/School Credit:

Our Internship Program is open to first and second-year BSW/MSW students at the schools listed below. 

This is an unpaid internship, and you must coordinate with your school to receive credit for your participation (we’ll provide the required documentation). We will work within your school’s requirements to ensure you are scheduled for the number of hours and supervision as required by your program.

Participating Schools:

• Adelphi University
• Fordham University
• Hunter College
• New York University
• Rutgers University
• York College

We Have  GREAT BENEFITS!

• Health insurance through Cigna, including dental and vision, with an option that covers the entire family with minimal employee contribution.

• Generous Paid Time Off! 

• 401(k) with Company contribution, even if the employee doesn't contribute.

• And More! 

Who We Are

At HELP USA, we work to ensure that everyone has a place to call home. We’re one of the nation’s largest non-profit homeless services providers and low-income housing developers serving at-risk populations, including families, individuals, veterans, survivors of domestic violence, people with physical and mental health challenges and disabilities, and seniors. With an annual operating budget approaching $150 million and 1400 employees working in nearly 60 programs, we have helped over 500,000 people facing homelessness and poverty to build better lives. We hope that you will consider joining our team in the fight against homelessness.

EOE. A Drug-Free Workplace.