Description:
The Summer Intern is responsible for helping Inspirica clients find competitive jobs. He/she will achieve this goal by developing and working with an extensive network of employers, searching multiple job databases, and working with clients on an individual basis to develop customized job-search plans that result in employment.
Housing subsidies for people who are homeless are in short supply. The waiting lists for Section 8 or Shelter Plus Care vouchers are often many years long. Most people who are homeless will not receive them. Unfortunately, the people we serve typically do not have the education or skills they need to become self-sufficient. Without our help, they are unlikely to secure employment, which, in turn, allows them to earn the income they need to move into the community and become productive members of society.
The goal of our Jumpstart Education and Employment Program is to provide participants with life- and work-skills they need to: a) prepare for, find, and maintain employment; and, b) lead independent, healthy/stable lives – both of which are essential to breaking the cycle of homelessness.
Jumpstartis a 13-week workplace readiness program designed to promote self sufficiency in all aspects of our residents’ lives. By embedding the program within our housing program Inspirica is breaking new ground about how organizations provide employment services to the homeless. The Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Social Services have allowed us for the first time ever to mandate participation in our workplace readiness program. This means that every Inspirica resident who turns to us for housing is responsible for taking part in this program. This approach to helping clients achieve self-sufficiency through education, employment, and accountability will be unique in the state of Connecticut.
Finding a job and securing a steady income is essential to ending the cycle of homelessness and achieving self-sufficiency. Without an income individuals who are homeless or recently homeless are destined to remain on the streets or return to them. Securing employment has other significant benefits as well: it helps clients who have been homeless, addicted to drugs and/or mentally ill to develop a sense of self-worth and dignity, often for the first time. This, in turn, helps them maintain their sobriety and stability and lead productive lives, contributing to the community.
Minimum Requirements:
Qualifications:
The candidate will preferably have a college degree. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, are important. Candidate must have computer skills, particularly a working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and the ability to job search using the Internet will serve the candidate very well. The ability to speak Spanish and or Haitian-Creole would be a definite advantage, but is not required.
Personality/Work Style:
The ideal candidate will work well with clients of all ages, will be an excellent and active listener, a quick learner, and will have the ability to multitask. Excellent organizational skills, patience, persistence, follow-through, and the ability to manage time well are also essential.
The candidate should work well both independently and as a member of a team; s/he will need to be self-motivated and self-directed while also taking direction and working within systems already in place. The candidate will further be outgoing, empathetic, energetic, non-judgmental and a generally happy person who easily motivates others.
Candidates should submit resume, cover letter, and writing sample by e-mail with “Summer Intern – Jobs” in the subject line to:
Noel Kammermann
Chief Program Officer
Inspirica, Inc.
141 Franklin Street
Stamford, Connecticut 06901
search@InspiricaCT.org