Education Internship

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 

• College student pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in any field. 
• Ideal focuses: Education, Early Childhood Education and/or Development, Social Work, Communication, Public Relations, Business Administration or Psychology and Sociology 
• A desire to learn more about the animal shelter environment 
• Comfortable working with children ages 4 – 17 
• A highly developed attention to detail  
• Well-developed interpersonal and writing skills 
• Excellent and professional customer service and communication skills 
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills 
• The ability to work independently or in a team environment 
• Flexibility in hours; working some nights and possible weekends

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Assist in the implementation of Humane Society of West Michigan’s Youth Education Program 
• Plan, implement, facilitate, and evaluate Kids' Night Out events, Spring Break Camp and Summer Camp 
• Assist with planning and executing children’s daily camp activities 
• Assist with group and school presentations and in the development of program curriculum 
• Communicate with external groups including parents, community members, groups, and media 
• Communicate with parents of campers on changes to program in person or via email 
• Assist with volunteer management and training as available 
• Coordinate and lead activities with volunteer groups 
• Develop and/or share communication pieces for volunteers and summer camp families 
• Data entry for program touch points 
• Research innovative ideas for our summer, day, and overnight camps 
• Research and create a project proposal for a new day or night camp  
• Develop potential new outlets for funding/partnership for specific volunteer and camp needs 
• Develop training protocol proposal for animal handling for junior camp counselor and camp counselors  
• Other duties as assigned by the Humane Education Coordinator, Director of Community Programs, and other HSWM staff 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

HSWM Expectations of Employees 

• Treat animals, staff, and volunteers humanely, with compassion, both on and off the job, and transmits these values to others 
• Adhere to all state and local laws regarding personally owned animals 
• Provide accurate information and courteous service to the public at all times 
• Discretion with confidential information 

Work Environment 

• May be exposed to unpleasant noises, odor and animal feces 
• May be exposed to bites, scratches and zoonotic diseases 

Physical Demands  

• Work requires lifting and carrying items & animals that weigh up to 40 pounds.  Will be assisted by other staff members with items & animals weighing over 40 pounds 
• Will be required to walk or stand for extended periods of time.  Will frequently work in a bent position