Internship

Assist with national re-accreditation of 2 Orange County Senior Centers

TIME PERIOD: 8 hours/week throughout the academic year – Sept 2020 – May 2021

COMPENSATION: $20/hour Funding and administration for this internship is provided by UNC’s Partnerships in Aging Program

WORK LOCATION: The intern will work on-site at the Seymour Center, 2551 Homestead Rd. Chapel Hill, on Mon, Wed or Fri. between 2 and 5 pm. Work hours are flexible and can be negotiated. The Senior Centers are closed for group activities and all work processes are conducted using COVID-safety practices*.

MENTORSHIP: The intern will work directly with, and be mentored by Myra Austin, Senior Centers Administrator. Myra will be the team leader for the re-accreditation process.

About ORANGE COUNTY DEPARTMENT ON AGING: Orange County Department on Aging (OCDOA) is a one-stop resource where older adults and caregivers can meet their social, mental, physical, financial, and day-to-day practical needs. We offer integrated aging services and programs at our two senior centers including, wellness and education classes, job search advice and workshops, daily (M – F )nutritious lunches, trips, volunteer opportunities, and much more.

PROJECT DETAILS: The Intern will participate in the activities described below:

1. Research, review and revise previous National Accreditation documents
2. Work with OCDoA staff to formulate and help facilitate the two senior center self-assessment committees.
3. Work with staff and the committees to complete the self-assessment process.
4. Assist the staff and the 2 senior centers to evaluate its level of compliance with the national standards and completes tasks to bring us into compliance.
5. Work with staff to complete the 2 OC Senior Centers online profile
6. Assist staff in notifying NCOA’s NISC Program Manager when the online notebook is complete.

Qualifications:

• Graduate student in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Public Policy, Public Health or similar discipline.
• Preference will be give to applicants with prior experience in communications, journalism, or public relations, or public policy

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent organizational abilities and skills
• Research and interview skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and other virtual and large document platforms
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• A Team Player
• Skill and ability to work with older adults, volunteers, and staff
• Flexibility in work schedule based on intern and staff availability (may require some on-site work on certain days – M, W, F)

Benefits to intern:

• Understand national accreditation processes applied to government organizations and the resulting budget implications
• Witness a local government agency and a national government organization working simultaneously to achieve a desired outcome
• Understand the process of managing and organizing a local government department, including policies and procedures

Physical Requirements:

• Internships pose no special physical requirements, and the Department on Aging encourages people with diverse abilities to apply.
• *The OCDoA is practicing safe precautions as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing, face coverings while in shared office areas, proper handwashing or use of hand sanitizer, and limited number of patrons are in our large, spacious buildings at this time.

TO APPLY: Submit a resume and cover letter to maustin@orangecountync.gov . Myra Austin, Senior Centers Administrator. Preference will be given to applications received by September 14, 2020.