Shanti Intern Needed: LGBTQ Seniors & Adults with Disabilities

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Subject: Shanti's LAASN Program - Internship

The Shanti Project provides practical assistance and emotional support to underserved San Franciscans living with breast cancer, HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ seniors and adults with disabilities as well as clients needing assistance with their companion animals.

Shanti’s LGBTQ Aging & Abilities Support Network (LAASN) Program is a new program developed through Shanti’s contract with the Department of Aging & Adult Services (DAAS) that allows Shanti to provide peer support services for LGBTQ seniors and LGBTQ adults (18+) with disabilities without them needing a chronic or life-threatening illness such as cancer or HIV/AIDS in order to receive supportive services. This contract was developed with the purpose of reducing loneliness and social isolation among LGBTQ seniors and differently abled adults.

SUMMARY: Interns will be trained in harm reduction peer counseling and care navigation, learn how to work directly with clients, participate in weekly staff meetings, and conduct new client intakes as well as needs assessment meetings. Interns will make home visits, provide clients with emotional support and practical assistance, and accompany clients to medical or social service appointments. Interns will gain experience working with a diverse population of clients, with a specific focus on LGBTQ seniors and adults with disabilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

-- Work a minimum of 15-20 hours a week for a minimum of 3 months or longer, beginning ASAP

-- Attend Shanti's Peer Support Volunteer Training*

-- Shadow staff for a minimum of two weeks, and under staff supervision, perform client intake and needs assessments in addition to completing resource referrals and follow-up

-- Document service to clients through progress notes, database and client hard file

-- Update client's annual verification, profile information, and referrals

-- Meet with supervisor weekly for support with practical and self-care skills

-- Work as part of an interdisciplinary team of multi-lingual/cultural caregivers

-- Participate in program outreach, training and other activities, as appropriate

-- Perform other tasks as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

-- Willingness to participate in Shanti's 24-hour Peer Support Training (required*)

-- Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills

-- Basic office organizational skills and computer literacy

-- Ability to work independently and as part of a team

-- Sensitive to needs and circumstances of LGBTQ seniors and adults with disabilities.

-- Culturally sensitive and comfortable working in underserved communities

-- Some education, training or experience with providing social services preferred

-- Bilingual proficiency preferred

*The next Peer Support Volunteer Trainings will take place March 2018. (Intern is only required to attend one training).

March Training:

Friday, March 23 rdfrom 6:00-9:30pm
Saturday, March 24 thfrom 9:00-6:00pm
Sunday, March 25 thfrom 9:00-6:00pm
Wednesday, March 28 thfrom 6:00-9:30pm

Shanti's programs strive to eliminate disparities in health service delivery, and to improve the health and well-being of challenged, at-risk, and underserved communities. Shanti's services are designed to meet clients' needs using a model based on empathy and empowerment.

To learn more about how to get involved, please contact Joanne Kipnis, LAASN Program Director, at jkipnis@shanti.org