Direct Service Specialist Intern- Paid

MISSION- In our pursuit to eliminate poverty, Wayne Metro empowers people and communities to be strong, healthy, and thriving. 

VISION- We envision thriving communities where all people have hope and opportunities to realize their full potential.

Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency consists of staff dedicated to serving others, which include professionalism, empathy, respect, excellent client service, maintaining confidentiality, punctuality with regular attendance. We provide assistance to low to moderate income families to help address their most critical needs.  The agency has over 70 programs, including valuable educational, housing, and emergency services.

Internship Description: 

Wayne Metro seeks a motivated and detail-oriented individual with an interest in community services and public assistance programs. This internship provides hands-on experience supporting utility assistance and intake operations, including the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), Water Assistance Programs, Weatherization (Wx) Intake, and Resident Services. The intern will work collaboratively with program teams to support client intake, application processing, and service coordination. Responsibilities include assisting with eligibility screening, data entry, documentation review, and client communication to ensure efficient and accurate service delivery. This role offers valuable exposure to program operations, client-centered service models, and the coordination of multiple funding streams to support household stability. The ideal candidate is organized, compassionate, and eager to learn about community action programs and the impact of utility assistance services.

Interns Essential Functions: 

• Assist with client intake for utility assistance programs, including MEAP, Water Assistance, Weatherization (Wx), and Resident Services
• Support eligibility screening by reviewing applications and verifying required documentation
• Enter and update client data accurately in agency databases (e.g., EmpowOR)
• Assist with processing applications and tracking case statuses
• Communicate with clients via phone, email, or in-person to obtain missing information and provide program updates
• Help coordinate referrals to internal programs (e.g., Wx, conservation services) and external community resources
• Maintain organized digital and physical client files in compliance with program guidelines
• Support outreach efforts by assisting with intake events, prescreening activities, and community engagement initiatives
• Collaborate with program staff to ensure timely and accurate service delivery
• Adhere to confidentiality standards and handle sensitive client information with discretion
• Assist with basic reporting, data tracking, and program performance monitoring as needed
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and continuous improvement activities

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This job operates in a professional office environment with a usually quiet noise level. This is largely a sedentary role and the employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, frequently use hands and to talk or hear.

Qualified candidates:

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Human Services, Nonprofit Management, or a related field
• Strong interest in community action programs, utility assistance, and serving low-income populations
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Comfortable interacting with diverse populations in a professional and empathetic manner
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and/or Google Workspace
• Experience with data entry or case management systems is a plus
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately
• Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Bilingual (preferred but not required) 

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma/general education degree (GED) OR a combination of education and experience that is similarly equivalent.
• Pass Criminal Background check & Drug Screening
• Ability to work a hybrid schedule
• Have experience in Excel and Google Space

Minimum Competencies:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Professionalism in appearance, tact, punctuality, and dependability
• Good interpersonal and professional skills including but not limited to professional appearance, tact, punctuality, and dependability.
• Perform work in a manner that upholds Wayne Metro policies, procedures, and mission. 

 Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer

EOE/M/F/D/V

Salary : $15