Flexible Housing Pool Internship

Center for Housing and Health (CHH), a supporting organization of AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) is seeking a creative and motivated individual to intern in its Flexible Housing Pool program. This is an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience while working at an active, upbeat non-profit.

The Flexible Housing Pool (FHP) Intern will work on the FHP team, assisting program participants experiencing homelessness move to permanent supportive housing. The FHP intern will also have the opportunity to learn about homelessness, supportive housing, HIV/AIDS prevention, care and advocacy, and other issues related to CHH’s mission.

This person will work closely with the Senior Director of the Flexible Housing Pool, the Manager of Outreach and Housing Placement, and the FHP Team.

This internship is designed to be both educational and practical. In this internship, the intern will learn how to take skills acquired in an educational setting and apply them in the workplace. The intern will gain a better understanding of the role that homeless services and supportive housing can play in a nonprofit setting and be better prepared to work in the field of social/human services with a focus on nonprofit organizations. 

The FHP Intern will learn:

• How to build trusting relationships with new FHP program participants in need of housing.

• How to conduct Housing Needs Questionnaires to determine participants’ preferences, needs, and barriers to care.

• In coordination with the Landlord Engagement Team, how to identify housing units within the Landlord Portfolio that may match with client preferences.

• How to engage with and assist clients with apartment viewings and supporting clients with housing choices.

• How to complete housing placement paperwork and requests for landlord payments.

• How to coordinate with partner agency case managers with client move-ins.

Qualifications:

• Current or recent enrollment in a graduate or undergraduate degree program with an interest and aptitude to work with vulnerable populations;

• Basic understanding (or willingness to learn) of FHP’s core service philosophies of Housing First, Harm Reduction, and Trauma-Informed Care;

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills;

• Flexible schedule -- may require working off-days to reach FHP participants;

• Detail-oriented and self-motivated; 

• Ability to work in a team setting; 

• Ability to prioritize tasks and handle numerous assignments simultaneously; 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and internet applications; 

• Experience volunteering with nonprofit organizations desired; 

• Able to commit to a minimum of three months for this internship.

All internships that require an onsite or in-person presence will require that the intern provide evidence they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 including having received a booster. Exemptions to this requirement for medical or religious reasons are available. Information about exemptions available on request.

This is a volunteer internship. A stipend is available for those who qualify, with details to be provided during the interview process. CHH can also help interns obtain college credit, if available from your school. Interns will receive necessary training and staff supervision. Internships require at least 15 hours/week for a minimum of three months, though longer internships are preferred. Social work majors are encouraged to apply.

All candidates must submit a cover letter and resume, and completed application form, which can be found here. 

Please submit all application materials to:

Email (preferred): interns@aidschicago.org

Mail: AFC Intern Program, 200 W Monroe Street, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60606