Next Step Internship Program: Careers in Homeless Services

Project Renewal: Receiving Hope.

The Next Step Internship Program is an eights week vocational training program that provides individuals with the skills and experience they need to begin a career in homeless services. Interns receive approximately 140 hours of intensive sector-based classroom training as well as 140 hours of closely supervised paid on the job training to give them an entry point into the rewarding field of social services.

Week 1-2: Full Time Classroom Training (unpaid)

*Occupational Skills Training’s: Crisis Prevention, Working with Special Populations, Narcan Administration, Incident Reporting, Conflict Resolution.

*Soft Skills Training’s: Effective Communication, Customer Service and Life Skills.

*Computer Training: Basic Microsoft Office, DHS Cares

*Financial Literacy Workshops: Budgeting, Credit Repair, Managing Money.

Week 3-7: Classroom & On the Job Training (paid)

*Internship: Work 3-4 days/week in a shelter as a Residential Aide or Maintenance Staff

*Ongoing Training: Attend classes 1-2 days per week & learn industry specific skills

*Credential Attainment: Crisis Prevention Certification, Fire Guard for Shelters Certification (F-02), Certificate of Completion for Opioid Overdose Prevention.

Week 8: Final Week of Training

*Graduation Ceremony: Certificate of completion, 80% graduation rate

*Hiring Decisions: Internship site directors have option of permanently hiring graduates

*Job Search: Interns are assigned to a Job Developer, update resumes, intensive job search and interviewing process begins.

Week 9: Job Placement, Retention and Career Advancement

*Job Placement Support: Continue job search and job placement process with support of a job developer, 80% placement rate.

*Job Retention: One year post employment support, 70% on year job retention rate.

*Career Advancement: Assistance with upgrading employment and credentials.

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Next Step Internship Program pamphlet and I give them full credit for the information. Please look the program up online for more information on the Internship.