Communications Intern - Office of Homelessness and Criminal Justice Reform

Salt Lake County•Salt Lake City, UT

16h•$15 - $15•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of Homelessness and Criminal Justice Reform (OHCJR) is looking for a creative communications intern willing to contribute and provide support with various tasks. The successful candidate will support the OHCJR’s work 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 provides administrative support and oversight to the Criminal Justice Advisory Council (CJAC), a body that provides research, data, legislative review, and policy recommendations; and the Salt Lake Valley Coalition to End Homelessness (SLVCEH) a body that facilitates community-wide planning to address homelessness in Salt Lake County, and fulfills the role of the Salt Lake County Continuum of Care (CoC). In addition to CJAC and SLVCEH, we are a diverse office comprised of multiple different programs with a focus on addressing systemic issues in the homelessness and criminal justice systems. These programs include Community Violence Intervention (DOJ), AmeriCorps, Emergency Food Program, Coordinated Entry (housing prioritization program), Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program, and the newly added Justice and Mental Health Initiative (DOJ). We work with local governments and with national, state, and private sector partners to develop collective action around regional challenges and entrenched social problems. The Office of Homelessness and Criminal Justice Reform is committed to enhancing the efficiency, fairness, and transparency of criminal justice systems. We provide data-driven insights that help inform policies, improve public safety, and ensure compliance with evolving legislation. 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 or recently graduated from a Bachelor OR Graduate program.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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.
Students with a focus in Communications, Social Sciences, Political Science, Behavioral Science, or Humanities are preferred, but all applicants are welcome.

Responsibilities

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-mail, 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 with other communications-related activities.
Participate in professional development programs offered by Intern Program Managers.