Hands of Hope is Casa de Esperanza’s service year program which recruits recent college graduates and other highly qualified young adults from throughout the United States. These passionate individuals have a desire to help abused, neglected and HIV positive children through work with Casa de Esperanza. Hands of Hope Interns commit one year to live and work with these vulnerable children in the Residential Program’s agency foster homes. Responsibilities include daily care of the children, household management, and the coordination of medical appointments and therapy sessions. The Hands of Hope Interns also work with caseworkers, psychological staff and community volunteers on a routine basis to ensure that the children in placement receive the highest quality of care. The skills cultivated while participating in the Hands of Hope internship program are excellent life and work experiences for individuals pursuing careers in social work, medicine, psychology, education, public health, non-profit management, and social justice.
Qualifications
• At least 21 years old
• Willingness to make a one-year commitment (Shorter term commitments are considered on a case-by-case basis)
• College degree preferred
• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with others
• Flexibility and Patience
• Good general health, with a high energy level, and able to lift 35-40 pounds
• Valid Driver's License (Required to operate agency vehicles)
A criminal history, background check, and drug screening of each Hands of Hope Intern will be completed prior to placement with the agency.
Responsibilities
• To care for the children placed in your home
• To promote skills to develop healthy attachments
• To participate as a team member in implementing the children's Plan of Service and therapeutic regime
• To complete household duties including, but not limited to: cooking, cleaning, laundry and maintaining the house, and vehicles
• To transport and participate in medical and therapy appointments
• To support the children's primary attachment to biological parents
• To complete all necessary paperwork in a timely manner
• To communicate regularly with supervisors regarding the welfare of the children
• To complete 20 hours of ongoing training on an annual basis
• To follow the policies of Casa de Esperanza at all times
For more information including details about living arrangements, compensation, and benefits, please visit the Hands of Hope internship webpage.
