Social Care and Community Engagement Intern

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: 
The Senior Program Assistant plays a key role in supporting the successful delivery of our senior programs. Working alongside the Senior Program Coordinator and fellow team members, you will assist in the planning, preparation, and facilitation of both indoor and outdoor activities for older adults.

This role combines hands-on program delivery with administrative support and creative input to help maintain and develop high-quality, engaging initiatives for our senior members.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Senior Program Coordinators in the planning and preparation of weekly activities, classes, and outings for the Active Retirement Group and Men’s Group.
• Support the smooth delivery of indoor and outdoor programmes, including setting up spaces, materials, and equipment.
• Help coordinate summer activities and excursions during July and August.
• Provide a warm, friendly, and inclusive environment for all senior participants.
• Assist with administrative tasks such as attendance tracking, registration, data entry, and general programme documentation.
• Support communication with members — phone calls, reminders, and event updates.
• Contribute to the development of new workshops, initiatives, and community projects in collaboration with the coordinators.
• Maintain the highest standards of health and safety, safeguarding, and participant well-being at all times.
• Work collaboratively with other Ozanam House staff and volunteers to ensure programme continuity and quality.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience (paid or volunteer) in community work, social care, or recreation with older adults.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills — warm, patient, and empathetic.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to assist with both practical tasks and administrative duties.
• A collaborative attitude and willingness to support all aspects of programme delivery.
• Creativity and enthusiasm for developing new ideas and activities.
• Flexibility to assist with occasional events or outings outside regular hours.
• Basic computer literacy (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace).
• First Aid, Manual Handling, or Safeguarding training desirable (training can be provided).

What You’ll Gain

• Meaningful experience working directly with older adults in a supportive community environment.
• The opportunity to contribute to vibrant, well-loved senior programmes that enhance social connection and well-being.
• Training, guidance, and professional development from experienced coordinators.
• Experience in program planning, community engagement, and team collaboration.
• A rewarding role within one of Dublin’s most established community resource centers.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:
A community center in the north inner city and operated by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, one of the largest charitable and voluntary organizations in the world.  The center offers various educational (adult and youth), community, youth and childcare programs that are aimed at addressing social exclusion as well as the many needs of the local community in Dublin's north inner city. The center now offers 600 program places to 500 people per week where our youngest member is 2 and our eldest is 96. We also engage 60 active volunteers who share their time and skills each week for the benefit of others.  One of our biggest and most successful program is our summer projects where we engage up to 280 children and young people in an action-packed activities program throughout the months of June, July and August each year.
 

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS: 

On-site Supervision and Support
Our internships include 24/7 on-site staff to support students working and living abroad. All students will also report to a supervisor at their internship site. Supervisors provide and oversee daily tasks, introduce the intern to team members, and mentor the intern in organizational agility, skill acquisition, and career readiness. Interns complete a midpoint and final evaluation, and supervisors complete a final evaluation of their interns. All work responsibilities and projects are approved in advance. 

Academic Credit
Students on an internship have the opportunity to enroll in their home university for credit, or enroll in a course through API to transfer back to their university for credit. Email support-internships@apiexperience.com for more information and a syllabus.

Housing and Excursions
Housing and excursions are included in your internship and will be selectable during the application process. 

Visa Sponsorship
This position does not offer visa sponsorship for non-US citizens.