Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Intern (Summer/Fall 2026)

JOB SUMMARY:
Working under the supervision of the Director of Operations, the Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Programs, the Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Intern is responsible for participating in the wide variety of clinical and outreach activities of the larger Homeless and Missing Youth Program.

Utilizing a Positive Youth Development approach, the Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Intern will observe and conduct outreach, participate in client assessment, and service linkage and the provision of relevant resources for runaway and homeless youth in the Cleveland-area and surrounding neighborhoods. The Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Intern will also be responsible for assisting the Director of Operations- Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Programs and staff in the creation of tools, resources, treatment plans, case documentation and other related activities to support the efforts and mission of the RHY programs and the over-arching mission of Bellefaire JCB.

AGENCY SUMMARY:
Bellefaire JCB is among the nation's largest, most experienced child service agencies providing a variety of behavioral health, substance abuse, education and prevention services. Through more than 25 programs, we help more than 30,000 youth and their families each year achieve resiliency, dignity and self-sufficiency.


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ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Participate in the various activities involved in community outreach and client assessment.
2. Connect with various community stakeholders to identify potential avenues to connect with and provide services to homeless and missing youth.
3. Participate in case management/service coordination.
4. Assist in the development of Individual Service Plans for clients served within the RHY and related programs.
5. Provide ongoing aftercare services via referral and linkage.
6. Conduct data collection, case documentation, and related resource development.
7. Conduct ongoing youth/family support and provide ongoing care coordination.Represent the agency in the development or maintenance of relationships with other organizations including community agencies, public agencies and referral sources.
8. Maintain high standards of ethical and professional conduct.
9. Possess and employ practical understanding of:
   1. Basic child, adolescent and family development
   2. Issues that are relevant to homeless youth
   3. Interventions used in helping runaway and homeless teens.
10. Contribute to the development and maintenance of the client record through the timely completion of assigned documentation in accordance with applicable licensing and accreditation regulations and standards.

OTHER DUTIES:

1. Attend scheduled staff meetings, supervision, and on-going training that will provide the skills necessary to implement the program.
2. All required trainings, certifications and licensure must be kept current in accordance with applicable licensing and accreditation regulations and standards.
3. Page on-call supervisor in case of an emergency situation (i.e. in need of clinical support, AWOL, safety concern for yourself or the well being of a client or family member, a client threatening to harm themselves or others.)
4. Respect the privacy of clients and hold in confidence all information obtained during the client's treatment. All client-related documents should be handled in accordance with Agency guidelines on confidential material.
5. Other duties as assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Education: High School Diploma required. Must be currently enrolled as a Bachelor's student in Social Work or related field.
2. Licensure: N/A
3. Skills/Competencies:

• Core Expertise: Possesses skill, knowledge and abilities to perform the essential duties of their role; keeps knowledge up to date.
• Independent Judgment: Ability to perform job responsibilities with a high degree of initiative and independent judgment.
• Cultural Competency: Demonstrates awareness, sensitivity and skills in working professionally with diverse individuals, groups and communities who represent various cultural and personal background and characteristics.
• Interpersonal Communication: Communicates clearly using verbal, nonverbal, and written skills in a professional context; demonstrates clear understanding and use of professional language.
• Professional & Ethical Conduct: Adheres to professional values such as honesty, personal responsibility, and accountability; Applies ethical concepts within scope of work and adheres to Agency policies and procedures.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Functions effectively as a member of a professional team that includes employees, clients and family members.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making: Recognizes problems and responds appropriately; gathers information and sorts through it to identify and address root cause issues; makes timely decisions.

1. Experience:

• Minimum two years professional experience preferred.
• Formal education and/or clinical comprehension of the various components of the runaway and homeless youth (RHY) population.
• Clinical comprehension of the underlying issues that lead to youth homelessness required.
• Experience working directly with complex family systems preferred.
• Experience working with youth by providing crisis intervention, service coordination, skill building and family education.

Bellefaire JCB is an equal opportunity employer, and hires its employees without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

Bellefaire JCB is a partner agency of the Wingspan Care Group, a non-profit administrative service organization providing a united, community-based network of services so member agencies can focus on mission-related goals and operate in a more cost-effective and efficient manner.