SECU Public Fellows Internship - Asheville Humane Society

The State Employees Credit Union Public Fellows Internship program offers current UNC Asheville students internships with high quality nonprofit and government organizations focused on improving life in rural North Carolina for a diverse array of residents. SECU Public Fellows interns will work full-time (38-40 hours per week) from June 6th to August 1, 2022 at their internship site while being paid $15.50/hour by UNC Asheville (up to $4,960 per internship), funded by a grant from the SECU Foundation.

If offered a SECU Public Fellows Internship from a SECU site, students must enroll in IST 325 for the summer, a remote 3-credit hour course that will provide professional development for students to make the most of their internship experience.

To be eligible for the SECU Public Fellows Internship at UNC Asheville, students must:

Students who intend to remain in North Carolina after graduation and serve North Carolinians through government or nonprofit work are strongly preferred. We are seeking students who demonstrate leadership ability, a commitment to volunteer service, a commitment to serving rural North Carolina as the start to their careers, with strong writing ability.

The due date for the SECU Public Fellows Internship application is March 7th. Those who meet the criteria listed above will be forwarded to ABCCM for an interview for the specific internship listed below. The site will determine their preferred candidate.

The Community Solutions Intern will assist in various activities as part of the Community Solutions department at Asheville Humane Society. This person will assist Community Solutions staff in providing supportive services to clients to help keep owned pets in their homes, conducting outreach activities in underserved communities and assisting at events aimed at increasing access to pet services for individuals experiencing crisis and/or living in poverty. They will be responsible for providing a good impression to Community Solutions clients and ensuring a positive relationship with Asheville Humane Society. The Community Solutions Intern will participate in outreach visits, fence and dog house builds, and planning and executing other events and projects. They may communicate with veterinary and other local partners and will work collaboratively with all Community Solutions staff and AHS volunteers. This position will also involve data collection and entry, and will provide administrative and other assistance for the Community Solutions Department as needed.

The Community Solutions Intern performs the following duties on a regular basis:

1)     Assists with projects and programs related to the Community Solutions department, including participating in regular door-to-door outreach, outreach tables and other community activities and events

2)     Assists in planning and implements dog house builds, fence builds, etc.

3)     Ensures the highest quality customer service to citizens and visitors through interpersonal exchange by phone or in person

4)     Maintains accurate record keeping, timely processing and customer service

5)     Collaborates with partner veterinary clinics, Animal Control Officers and volunteers

6)     Maintains records for the Community Solutions department

7)     Provides client education on resources available through the Community Solutions program

8)     Interacts with animals using appropriate handling techniques and uses best practices at all times

9)     Interacts with the staff and public in a professional and courteous manner at all times

10) Maintains a humane and caring attitude at all times to animals, public, volunteers and staff

11) Maintains professional image in behavior and appearance at all times

12) Performs all duties in a manner that ensures a positive image of the Asheville Humane Society and Buncombe County Animal Shelter and improves the functioning of the organization

 

1)     Flexible schedule and the ability to work weekends and early mornings as needed

2)     Ability to remain calm in tense/stressful situations

3)     Experience working with diverse and/or under-served communities

4)     Animal handling and behavior experience

5)     Ability to multitask, meet deadlines and take initiative

6)     Basic computer skills

7)     Strong interpersonal skills and a friendly, outgoing, and pleasant demeanor

8)     Ability to remain open-minded and respectful in all situations

9)     Ability to complete physically demanding duties such as transportation of animals, building fences, etc.

10) Native-level Spanish speaker preferred

The Community Solutions Intern works in both the Asheville Humane Society Community Outreach Office and throughout Buncombe County, both indoors and outdoors. This position has varying working hours depending on scheduling and citizen needs, and may include some remote work.