Encore Internships

Current Next Step Internships

Applications for internships are closed for the Spring.

 Phase 1, Year 1 Internship Pilot Project Description
1/1/2013-6/30/2013

Program mission

The program goal is to help people 50+ navigate a mid-life career change into an encore career in the nonprofit sector. The internship exposes the intern to nonprofit operations and helps him or her develop skills for successful re-employment in a non-profit organization. This is the first phase of a project which we hope to take to other nonprofit organizations in the area in the future.

Desired outcomes
It is expected that interns will develop specific skills related to the project or work assignment and that they will develop experience working in the nonprofit sector. Also, they will expand their resumes and list of references, add to their job search networks, leading to employment within six to 12 months after completing the internship.

Types of internships
Specific projects: with specific goals and end dates, typically lasting three months. Examples: event management or a market research project. The intern’s assignment ceases with the wrap-up of the event or completion of the project.  

Ongoing activities: The intern’s assignment ends at a predetermined time, not related to the ongoing work of the program or project. Example: program direction or office management.

One model internship involves a minimum of 120 hours, hours and length to be determined by supervisor and intern, for example, 10-20 hours per week for 3-6 months. Additional time may be required for training and supervision. It is envisioned that the intern would meet with the assigned supervisor at least one hour every other week.

 Work time will be determined by supervisor and intern for mutual convenience and demands of the position.  There may also be training opportunities with other staff, other professionals or workshops which the intern can attend.

Content of the internship
The internship is a hands-on learning experience. It should expose the intern to all aspects of the particular project/department, and should not be limited to performing menial work (such as envelope stuffing). A learning objective should be established and a plan for achieving that objective should be mutually agreed upon for each intern. A learning objective is a statement in specific and measurable terms that describes what the learner will know or be able to do as a result of engaging in a learning activity.

Stipends
Stipends will be related to the length of the internship. Stipends will range between $500-1000.  The stipend will be calculated as minimum wage for the number of hours worked each week. Hours for training and supervision are not included. 
Interns will be considered hourly employees and are covered by PSRC liability policies. Interns will be considered temporary employees of the agency for the length of the internship.

Interns will be paid semi-monthly by directly deposit through the agency payroll service. They will receive a W2 form by January 30 of the year following the internship. Interns are not eligible for unemployment at the end of the internship.

Qualifications

·         Age 50 or older

·         Previous work experience in an industry other than the nonprofit sector, or position in the non-profit sector significantly different from the internship

• Motivation to make a career change into the nonprofit sector
• Ability to benefit from an internship at PSRC and build a credential that will be relevant in a future job search in the nonprofit sector
• Have local housing and transportation, which PSRC does not provide.
• Have proof of citizenship or green card
• Pass a background check. Also a driving record check if needed for position.

Application Process
1. Complete application, with resume, and a statement/essay stating why the candidate wants this internship, what their expectations are of the internship, and what their goals are.
2. Interview by Internship Director, Executive Director and Internship supervisor for the specific internship the candidate has applied for.
3. Selected candidates will receive a letter of hire and a contract specifying the type of internship, duties/job description, starting and ending dates, and amount of stipend and payment schedule.
4. Candidate will return signed letter of agreement and other employment paperwork.

Candidates will be selected based on:

• The availability of the type of assignment they have requested
• Clear indication that the internship experience will enhance the candidate’s employability in the nonprofit sector
• Suitability of available assignments for the candidate’s goals
• Compatibility with the PSRC/organization mission and culture

Type of Assignments
PSRC has the capability to offer internships in the following fields, although not all internships may be offered at any one time, depending on the agency schedule and workloads. An internship may include multiple fields.

Development
Event management
Grant writing
Program management
Public relations and marketing
Social media and web page management
Volunteer management
Office Management

 Legal

Internships may be terminated for poor conduct or other reason determined by the agency.

Because they are considered temporary employees, interns are not eligible for unemployment at the end of the internship.

There is no promise of paid employment at the completion of the internship.