Next Steps Coordinator Internship

Next Steps Coordinator Internship

Back on My Feet Chicago

Our Mission

Back on My Feet combats homelessness through the power of running, community support, and essential employment and housing resources.

Our Vision

Back on My Feet seeks to revolutionize the way our society approaches homelessness. Our unique running-based model demonstrates that if you first restore confidence, strength, and self-esteem, individuals are better equipped to tackle the road ahead and move toward jobs, homes, and new lives. For all in need, we aim to provide: practical training and employment resources for achieving independence; an environment that promotes accountability; and a community that offers compassion and hope. For all with the capacity to serve—volunteers, donors, community and corporate partners—we seek to engage you in the profound experience of empowering individuals to achieve what once seemed impossible through the seemingly simple act of putting one foot in front of the other.

Our Program

Operating in 11 major cities coast-to-coast, Back on My Feet uses running and community to motivate and support individuals every step of the way from homelessness to independence. Our success is measured not only by the health impact of miles run, but also by how many individuals obtain education, employment, and housing.

Back on My Feet recruits members at homeless and residential facilities around the country and begins with a commitment to run three days a week in the early morning. After 30 days in the program, members with 90% attendance earn the opportunity to move into the second phase of the program called Next Steps, which provides educational support, job training programs, employment partnership referrals, and housing resources.

Position

Based in Chicago, the Next Steps Intern will report to the BoMF Program Director. The Next Steps Intern will work directly with our members who are in Next Steps, which is the second phase of the Back on My Feet Program. The goal of Next Steps is to help members work towards personal and professional goals to become self-sufficient through employment and housing. Members enter Next Steps after successfully completing their first 30 days in BoMF, during which they must maintain 90% attendance at morning runs. The Next Steps Intern should be able to communicateclearly and proactively with both members and program staff. Tasks related to the role include, but are not limited to:

Assisting BoMF staff members and members with the financial aid process, including coordinating check distribution; and following up with members post-distribution.

Assisting members with job-readiness tasks including writing/editing resumes, interview preparation, and completing online employment applications.

Growing the BoMF Chicago partner network in order to better connect our members to resources and employment opportunities, including attending employment fairs.

Communicating with Next Steps members regarding upcoming job readiness events and assisting with event logistics.

Working with alumni members and planning ceremonies/social events

Participating in team runs, meetings, races and occasional social

Qualifications

Upper-level (Junior or Senior) college students and Master-level students welcome to apply; Bachelor’s degree in related field (social work, social justice, psychology, public health) preferred.

Experience in social services or with underserved populations preferred.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook)and internet-based applications and research

A proactive, assertive and hands-on individual who is self-motivated;requires limited direction.

Strong oral and written communication skills

A passion for running and/or fitness and well-being

Ability to attend occasional night or weekend events

Ability to take direction from multiple team members and prioritizetasks

Experience in social services or with underserved populations preferred

Time Commitment & Compensation

BoMF is seeking an intern that can work approximately 2-3 days a week for 10-15 hours weekly

Preferably long-term but minimum commitment of four months

Flexibility on that commitment will be considered for the right candidate; please include available time in application.

Ability and commitment to run with our teams at least once a week on M-W-F at 5:45am

Car and valid driver’s license helpful but not required

This is an unpaid internship

Contact

For qualified candidates, please send resumes to [nc1] and include the following:

Resume

Cover letter - including why you run

Subject line—Next Steps Intern

[nc1]We can put in my EM here if you prefer – up to you!!