Student Intern

Program Site: Palisades Family Success Center (PFSC)
Internship Type: Academic Internship / Experiential Learning
Location: Hudson County, New Jersey
Reports To: Palisades Family Success Center Site Director 

Position Summary

Prevention Links is seeking motivated students for a community-based internship at the Palisades Family Success Center (PFSC). This internship provides hands-on experience in family support, community outreach, resource navigation, prevention programming, public health education, and community engagement.

Interns will support the daily operations of the Family Success Center while working with families, children, caregivers, community partners, volunteers, and PFSC staff. Through structured assignments and supervised field experience, interns will have opportunities to observe, support, and participate in family programs, outreach initiatives, networking activities, program planning, data collection, community needs assessments, and program evaluation.

Interns will also have opportunities to develop and propose new programs that respond to identified community needs. Students will complete assignments aligned with their academic discipline, educational level, internship requirements, individual skills, and learning objectives.

This internship is designed to connect classroom learning with real-world community-based practice while developing the professional skills necessary for careers in social services, public health, human services, education, community development, nonprofit management, and related fields.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

1. Family Engagement and Center Operations

• Learn and practice professional communication and customer service skills while supporting the daily operations of PFSC.

• Welcome families, visitors, and community members to the center.

• Assist with family intake, registration, and documentation processes under staff supervision.

• Become familiar with PFSC programs, services, resources, policies, procedures, and referral processes.

• Help maintain the center's supplies, resource areas, and welcoming environment.

• Provide general program and administrative support as assigned.

2. Program Development and Implementation

• Assist with the preparation, implementation, and follow-up of PFSC programs, workshops, and community events.

• Support at least one ongoing PFSC program on a regular basis.

• Participate in program planning and contribute ideas for new initiatives based on community needs.

• Develop a program proposal addressing an identified community need.

• Prepare a detailed proposed budget for an approved project.

• Create bilingual promotional materials, as appropriate to the project and the intern's language proficiency.

• Assist with implementing or co-leading an approved program under staff supervision.

• Collect participant feedback and assist with program evaluation.

3. Community Outreach and Partnership Development

• Assist with developing, preparing, and distributing flyers and other promotional materials.

• Participate in community outreach and networking activities throughout Hudson County.

• Support efforts to increase awareness of PFSC programs, services, and resources.

• Learn about community partnerships, local service providers, and referral networks.

• Assist with identifying resources and opportunities that support families and caregivers.

• Participate in activities that promote community engagement and strengthen partnerships.

4. Resource Navigation and Public Health Education

• Assist with maintaining the PFSC Resource Center and organizing information about community services.

• Become familiar with local resources and referral pathways available to families.

• Support resource development and the dissemination of information about family support, prevention, wellness, and community services.

• Assist with public health education and prevention activities, as appropriate to the student's academic discipline.

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and protect confidential family and participant information.

5. Community Needs Assessment and Independent Projects

• Participate in community needs assessment activities, including approved information gathering, resource mapping, and review of participant feedback.

• Develop and complete an independent project related to the student's academic discipline and internship learning objectives.

• Students majoring in Public Health or a related field will complete an Independent Community Needs Project during their internship.

• Use approved findings to develop recommendations or a proposed program addressing an identified community need.

• Assist with collecting and organizing data and evaluating program outcomes, under staff supervision.

• Present project findings, recommendations, and learning outcomes at the conclusion of the internship.

6. Documentation, Supervision, and Professional Development

• Maintain a daily task journal documenting activities, responsibilities, and learning experiences.

• Participate in regular supervision and receive feedback on performance and professional development.

• Complete assignments and documentation required by PFSC and the student's academic institution.

• Demonstrate reliability, teamwork, cultural responsiveness, professionalism, and respect for diverse families and communities.

• Complete a final internship project, presentation, or written summary documenting accomplishments, learning outcomes, and recommendations.

• Perform other duties as assigned based on program schedules, community events, family needs, academic requirements, and operational priorities.

Potential Program Assignments

Depending on the intern's schedule, academic focus, interests, and the PFSC program calendar, internship assignments may include supporting:

• Special Angels Group

• Homework Club

• Creative Corner

• Mental Health Workshops

• Community outreach and networking activities

• Flyer development and promotional campaigns

• Family engagement events and educational workshops

• Resource Center organization and resource navigation initiatives

Program assignments will be determined in collaboration with PFSC staff and may vary throughout the placement.

Academic and Experiential Learning Requirements

Each intern will complete assignments appropriate to their academic discipline, educational level, internship requirements, and learning objectives. Assignments may include:

1. Complete PFSC orientation and review applicable policies and procedures.

2. Become familiar with PFSC programs, services, resources, and referral processes.

3. Assist with welcoming and registering new families.

4. Support family intake and documentation under staff supervision.

5. Maintain assigned resource and supply areas.

6. Participate in PFSC programs and community events.

7. Support at least one ongoing PFSC program on a regular basis.

8. Participate in community outreach and networking opportunities.

9. Assist with flyer development and distribution.

10. Help maintain the PFSC Resource Center.

11. Participate in community needs assessment activities.

12. Develop and complete an independent project related to the student's academic discipline.

13. Develop a program proposal based on identified community needs.

14. Prepare a detailed budget for the proposed project.

15. Create bilingual promotional materials for an approved project, as appropriate.

16. Assist with implementing or co-leading the approved project.

17. Collect participant feedback.

18. Participate in program evaluation activities.

19. Maintain a daily task journal.

20. Participate in regular supervision.

21. Complete a final internship project, presentation, or written summary documenting accomplishments, learning outcomes, and recommendations.

Additional assignments may be developed in collaboration with PFSC staff and the student's academic institution.

Learning Outcomes and Professional Competencies

Upon successful completion of the internship, students will have opportunities to develop practical experience and strengthen their skills in:

• Family engagement and support

• Community outreach and engagement

• Social service navigation and resource development

• Public health education and prevention programming

• Community needs assessment

• Program development and implementation

• Event planning and coordination

• Professional communication and customer service

• Documentation and data collection

• Program evaluation and outcome measurement

• Networking and community partnership development

• Cultural responsiveness and inclusive engagement

• Confidentiality and professional boundaries

• Teamwork and collaboration

• Leadership and initiative

• Public speaking and program facilitation

Supervision and Professional Standards

All internship assignments will be completed under the direction and supervision of designated PFSC staff. Responsibilities will be appropriate to the intern's level of education, academic discipline, demonstrated skills, and professional scope.

Interns are expected to follow Prevention Links and PFSC policies and procedures, maintain confidentiality, demonstrate professional conduct, respect the dignity and diversity of families served, and comply with applicable documentation and information-handling requirements.

Interns may not independently make decisions or provide services beyond their authorized responsibilities. Activities involving family information, participant data, outreach, program implementation, or community needs assessment must follow applicable organizational procedures and supervisory guidance.

Internship Structure and Flexibility

The internship will be structured around the student's academic requirements, learning objectives, availability, placement duration, and PFSC operational needs. Specific assignments, projects, and deliverables will be established with the designated supervisor at the beginning of the placement and reviewed throughout the internship.

Students will have opportunities to apply classroom knowledge, gain practical community-based experience, contribute to PFSC initiatives, and develop a deeper understanding of family support and prevention services.