Housing-Focused Community Health Worker Intern at CareCollab
Position Overview
We are seeking a Housing-Focused Community Health Worker Intern to support our housing initiatives in connecting members facing housing insecurity with essential resources and services. This role will work closely with our Housing Specialist to assist members facing evictions, rental arrears, and those applying for specialized housing programs. This internship offers hands-on experience in housing advocacy and support while developing expertise in housing systems navigation and resource coordination.
Essential Responsibilities
Direct Client Housing Support (50%)
- Assist members facing eviction or housing instability in accessing emergency housing resources and rental assistance programs
- Help members navigate complex housing application processes and documentation requirements
- Provide warm handoffs between members and external housing service providers + internal housing specialist
- Support members in completing applications for housing benefits, rental assistance, and eviction prevention services
- Accompany members to housing-related appointments when needed (virtually or in-person)
- Serve as initial point of contact for newly enrolled members requiring immediate housing support
- Help members understand their housing rights and responsibilities as tenants
Housing Resource Development & Management (30%)
- Develop and maintain comprehensive housing resource directory specific to service areas Create user-friendly guides for common housing application processes and eviction defense
- Document step-by-step navigation procedures for frequently used housing services
- Research eligibility requirements for various housing programs and rental assistance services
- Track housing availability, waiting lists, and application windows for subsidized housing
- Identify gaps in available housing resources and potential alternatives
- Compile information about fair housing laws and tenant protections
Housing Care Coordination (20%)
- Participate in team meetings with Housing Specialist and referral sources to understand housing needs of members
- Liaise between members, landlords, legal aid services, and housing authorities when appropriate
- Follow up with housing providers and members to ensure successful connections
- Document all client interactions and housing resource referrals
- Track outcomes of housing service connections and referrals
- Identify and report barriers to accessing housing services
- Support data collection on housing insecurity among membership
Learning Objectives
Understand housing service systems structure and barriers
- Develop expertise in available housing resources and tenant rights
- Build skills in housing advocacy and eviction prevention
- Gain experience in housing-focused care coordination
- Learn best practices in housing resource management
- Develop professional communication skills with landlords and housing authorities
Required Qualifications
- Current enrollment in relevant degree program (Public Health, Social Work, Urban Planning, Housing Studies, or related field)
- Strong interest in housing equity and eviction prevention
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Basic computer literacy
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- Cultural sensitivity and awareness
Preferred Qualifications
- Bilingual skills
- Previous volunteer or work experience in housing services
- Familiarity with local housing resources and tenant protection laws
- Experience working with individuals facing housing insecurity
- Knowledge of public housing programs and rental assistance initiatives
Position Details
- Duration: 12-16 weeks (one semester)
- Hours: 15-20 hours per week
- Location: Hybrid (mix of remote and in-person work)
- Supervision: Weekly supervision with Housing Specialist and Public & Community Health professional
- Training: Comprehensive orientation and ongoing training provided on housing systems
Professional Development Opportunities
- Attend housing coalition meetings and case conferences
- Participate in housing rights and advocacy workshops
- Network with housing partners and service providers
- Develop housing resource materials for future use
- Receive mentoring in housing-focused community health work
To Apply Submit resume, cover letter highlighting relevant experience and interest in housing support work, and academic requirements
This internship can fulfill practicum requirements for related degree programs. Academic credit arrangements must be made through your educational institution
