Student Field Placement (Practicum/Internship)

The Student Field Placement (Practicum/Internship) position offers students the opportunity to gain real-world experience at PATH, under the guidance and support of staff. Students may be in high school, college, or a university program and may be completing an internship, practicum, service-learning project, or career exploration requirement.

Students at PATH become part of a team that supports our McLean County neighbors who are experiencing crisis, housing instability, or other life challenges. This placement is ideal for students seeking to learn about social services and gain hands-on experience in a mission-driven setting. Students complete tasks that match their age, experience, and learning goals while learning how PATH builds trust, treats people with dignity, and provides support using trauma-informed and person-centered approaches.

This placement focuses on workplace readiness, confidentiality, professionalism, and skill development through meaningful participation in daily work.

What You Will Do (Essential Duties and Responsibilities)

Note: Duties will depend on the student's placement area, age, experience level, and school requirements.

• Complete onboarding, orientation, and required training.
• Keep all client and agency information private and follow confidentiality expectations.
• Learn by observing staff, shadowing, and completing assigned tasks.
• Support daily program activities in a helpful, respectful, and professional way.
• Help create a welcoming environment where our McLean County neighbors feel respected, safe, and supported.
• Assist with office and program tasks such as organizing supplies, preparing materials, filing, scanning, copying, and scheduling support (as appropriate).
• Support PATH's work with neighbors in ways that match the student's role and readiness. This may include preparing resource packets, helping gather documents, assisting with appointment reminders, observing services, or helping staff with follow-up tasks.
• Help with community activities such as events, outreach preparation, and distributing materials (as appropriate).
• Communicate respectfully with neighbors, staff, and partners and maintain professional boundaries.
• Attend supervision meetings and check-ins, ask questions, and use feedback to grow.
• Track placement hours, complete required school paperwork, and meet deadlines.
• Follow safety expectations and report concerns or unsafe situations to the supervisor immediately.
• Complete other placement tasks assigned by the supervisor that match the learning plan.

What We Are Looking For

• You are participating in a school-supported placement program (high school, trade school, community college, university, or similar program).
• You are interested in learning about social services and supporting community members in a respectful and caring way.
• You can follow directions, ask for help when needed, and act professionally in a workplace setting.
• You can attend consistently and follow the schedule agreed upon by PATH and your school.
• You can complete required onboarding steps, which may include signing confidentiality forms, background screening (if required), and trainings.

Helpful to Have

• Interest in social services, community support, or helping professions, and a desire to learn in a mission-driven organization.
• Experience working with others through teamwork, customer service, volunteering, or school/community involvement.
• Curiosity, reliability, and a positive attitude toward learning and helping people.

Skills You Will Practice and Build

• Communicating in a respectful and professional way
• Supporting others with kindness, dignity, and person-centered care
• Understanding how trauma can impact people and learning trauma-informed approaches
• Confidentiality and appropriate boundaries
• Reliability, time management, and follow-through
• Teamwork, asking questions, and learning from feedback
• Basic office and workplace technology skills (as needed for the placement)

Where and How You Will Work (Working Conditions and Physical Requirements)

• The placement may take place in an office, at a community location, at events, or a mix of settings depending on placement area and readiness.
• You may need to sit or stand for extended periods while working or assisting with tasks.
• You may use common office equipment such as computers, phones (if approved), copiers, and scanners.
• Depending on assigned tasks, you may need to lift and carry up to 25 pounds (supplies, boxes, or materials).
• Some placements may involve interaction with the public or individuals experiencing crisis or housing instability. PATH will ensure the placement tasks fit the student's role, readiness, and supervision plan.