Social Work Intern

Job Description

Job Description

About New York Junior Tennis & Learning

For over fifty years, New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) has honored its founder Arthur Ashe’s legacy by celebrating the diversity of children, encouraging them to reach their highest potential through free tennis and academic programs. NYJTL is the largest provider of youth tennis and education programs in the nation, providing services in 100 unique sites across all five boroughs while reaching nearly 90,000 kids. In addition, NYJTL designed, funded (with NYC), built and operates the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning in the South Bronx. All NYJTL community tennis and after school programs are offered at no cost to its participants.

The mission of NYJTL is to develop the character of young people through tennis and education for a lifetime of success on and off the court. It believes life skills gained through tennis, academics, healthy living, and character development are a catalyst for long-term achievement.

Position Summary:

This internship provides social work students with hands-on experience in school-based settings, supporting middle school youth through NYJTL’s afterschool programs. Interns will build skills in group facilitation, crisis response, and family engagement, while working closely with an experienced Social Worker. The role emphasizes developing practical competencies in assessment, intervention planning, and advocacy, all within a trauma-informed and youth development-focused framework. Interns will contribute meaningfully to students' social-emotional growth and school connectedness.

Learning Objectives:

• Facilitation of SEL Groups: Develop and lead 2–4 small group sessions per week using a Mental Health Skill Building curriculum to promote emotional literacy, self-regulation, and peer connection.
• Student Support & De-escalation: Identify students in crisis and implement trauma-informed, restorative approaches to support their emotional and behavioral needs within the afterschool environment.
• Pre- and Post-Survey Implementation: Assist with the collection, organization, and basic analysis of student surveys (e.g., Hello Insight) to assess social-emotional growth and program impact.
• Family Engagement Strategy: Collaborate with site directors and school staff to build sustainable strategies for increasing caregiver engagement and communication.
• Collaborative Practice: Partner with afterschool staff, site directors, school leadership, and school-based mental health providers to ensure coordinated, holistic student support.
• Culturally Responsive Practice: Strengthen cultural humility and trauma-informed approaches to engage students and families from diverse backgrounds in an inclusive and affirming manner.

Core Responsibilities:

• Facilitate 2–4 weekly small group sessions using NYJTL’s SEL and Mental Health Skill Building curriculum.
• Support enrichment and classroom staff with behavior management strategies and restorative responses to student needs.
• Assist in collecting, organizing, and analyzing pre- and post-program evaluation tools such as Hello Insight surveys.
• Identify and engage with students in distress, support the development of student de-escalation plans, and document interventions.
• Collaborate regularly with site directors, afterschool leaders, and school personnel to align efforts across school-day and afterschool supports.
• Participate in weekly individual and group supervision to reflect on practice, receive feedback, and continue professional growth.
• Lead or co-lead intern projects such as creating community resource guides or mental health toolkits for staff and families.
• Observe group and individual interactions to inform group placement and identify emerging student needs.
• Document student interventions, group notes, and engagement data in a timely and organized manner.
• Fulfill additional responsibilities as delegated by the Practicum Instructor to support site and program goals.

Qualifications:

• Successful completion of DOE and DOH background checks.
• Enrolled in a social work (BSW or MSW) program or related field.
• Adherence to organizational policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of child development, particularly middle school-aged children.
• Familiarity with behavior management and trauma-informed care.
• Cultural competence and sensitivity to diversity.
• Familiarity with program evaluation concepts or willingness to learn.

Job Type:

Internship

Salary Range:

A stipend of $500 per semester, contingent on performance and fund availability.

Location(s):

Internship opportunities are available at six sites across three boroughs.

Kappa III – 2055 Mapes Ave, Bronx, NY 10460

Icahn Charter School II – 1640 Bronxdale Ave, Bronx, NY 10462

Eagle Academy for Young Men – 4143 Third Ave, Bronx, NY 10457

PS/MS 071 – 3040 Roberts Ave, Bronx, NY 10461

PS/MS 219 – 144-39 Gravett Rd, Kew Gardens Hills, NY 11367

PS 187 – 349 Cabrini Blvd, New York, NY 10040