JOB SUMMARY

The Office of Homelessness and Criminal Justice Reform is looking for a creative communications intern willing to contribute and provide support with various tasks. The successful candidate will support the Office of Programs and Partnerships working with community outreach and communications. The internship is specifically designed for candidates with a strong interest in government and policy with skills in communications, social media, and writing. In addition to the county-level work, the internship may also expose interns to state, federal, and local work. The intern will have the opportunity to interact with elected officials and other community leaders. 

The Office of Homelessness and Criminal Justice Reform supports the Criminal Justice Advisory Council (CJAC) and the Salt Lake Valley Coalition to End Homelessness (SLVCEH), which serves as the county’s Continuum of Care. In addition to CJAC and SLVCEH, the office oversees a range of programs focused on systemic solutions to homelessness and criminal justice issues. These include Community Violence Intervention, AmeriCorps, the Emergency Food Program, Coordinated Entry, the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program, and the Justice and Mental Health Initiative. We collaborate with local, state, and national partners to address complex social challenges and provide data-driven insights to guide policy, improve public safety, and promote fairness in the justice system.

Work is primarily Monday through Friday with flexible hours to accommodate a school schedule. There may be occasional work on the weekends.

Applicants must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor OR Graduate program. Students with a focus in Communications, Social Sciences, Political Science, Behavioral Science, or Humanities are preferred; but all applicants are welcome.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties and responsibilities are intended to be representative of the work performed by the incumbent(s) in this position and are not all-inclusive. The omission of specific duties and responsibilities will not preclude it from the position. Applicants must be prepared to demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. 

• Assist in oversight of the outreach work, including updating important contact lists.
• Assist with drafting communications pieces, including e-newsletter.
• Research events and resources throughout the county.
• Update information on the SLVCEH website and posts on social media.
• Compose general letters, spreadsheets, e-mails, and memoranda from rough drafts or general instructions.
• Assist the Salt Lake Valley Coalition to End Homelessness in promoting efforts throughout our community.
• Participate in professional development programs developed by Intern Program Managers.
• Assist the Communications team with social media strategy and outreach.
• Help in the development of press releases, the execution of press conferences, and other communications-related activities.
• Participate in professional development programs offered by Intern Program Managers.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong written and oral communication skills are essential. Interns may be asked to prepare summaries of legislation or write talking points on a short turnaround.
• Solid understanding of the different social media platforms.
• Consistent demonstration of professionalism, responsibility, and initiative.
• Ability to complete tasks under deadlines while managing multiple projects.
• Motivated, creative, detail-oriented, adaptable, and dependable.
• Team player who also excels as an individual contributor.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Graphic design knowledge/skills.
• Experience managing social media.
• Interns should familiarize themselves with the legislative process and functions of the various branches of government before starting the internship.

PAY: $17.00/hour 

START DATE: TBD

TO APPLY:

Required Documents

• Resume
• Writing sample
• Schedule availability

 Optional Samples (in addition to the required documents listed above)

• A video sample showcasing filming and editing capabilities
• A graphic design sample (Adobe, Canva, or similar platform with original graphics)
• The link to any social media platforms you’ve managed or screenshots of posts you’ve created

Including one or more examples from the “optional samples” section is highly encouraged and will help you stand out as an applicant.

PHYSICAL ADDRESS:

Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office

County Government Building

2001 S State Street

Salt Lake City, UT 84114

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Interns may work remotely or from the Salt Lake County Government Center. They will be provided with a computer and an email account. Intern may be asked to attend meetings off-site, at other government facilities, and in the community. Interns may be sitting for long periods of time at a computer.

PAID INTERN POSITIONS 

• Are not considered merit employees.
• Are not guaranteed employment following their internship