Volunteer & Internship Opportunities

Home Start accepts applications for a limited number of in person internship opportunities on a rolling basis depending on the needs and ability of our staff to meet school program supervision requirements. Students must be enrolled in an accredited degree program and receive course credit for the hours worked at Home Start to be eligible to apply. If these parameters do not meet your program’s requirements, then Home Start is unable to accommodate your internship search at this time.

Recruitment Calendar

Home Start internships are highly competitive.

All Graduate and Undergraduate internships have been filled. We are not currently accepting applications for internships at this time.

 

Application Process

The application process for Home Start internships EXCEPT High School and BHS interships includes:

High School Internships
Home Start works directly with a number of high schools across San Diego County to provide appropriate, tailored internships at the high school level for juniors and seniors. If you would like to partner with us on a similar program, please contact Volunteer Program Coordinator Manasi Watts directly at mwatts@home-start.org(opens in new tab). High school applicants are considered on a case by case basis in accordance with partner school program guidelines and processes.

Closed Internships

We are NOT currently accepting applications for the internships listed below. They are posted here for information purposes only.

GRADUATE STUDENT INTERNSHIPS
Behavioral Health Services (BHS) Program Internship
Degree Level: Masters & Doctoral (GRADUATE ONLY)
THIS INTERNSHIP HAS BEEN FILLED FOR THE 2026-2027 ACADEMIC YEAR
Internship Commitment: 24-30 hours / week; August to June/July

Under licensed clinical supervision, provides office-, home-, and school-based mental health therapy and case management services to children, teens, and  families who have been victims of child abuse and neglect. Other treatment  types may include group and individual therapy with adults and couples in our outpatient clinic. At least one evening 3-6:30p is required. Successful candidates MUST feel comfortable working in the field directly with clients. This internship is for GRADUATE students ONLY.

Macro / Admin Internship
Degree Level: MSW Admin / MPA / MBA / MPP (GRADUATE ONLY)
THIS INTERNSHIP HAS BEEN FILLED FOR THE 2026-2027 ACADEMIC YEAR
Internship Commitment: n/a

Home Start is seeking an organized, detail oriented intern to work closely with Executive Staff to review and evaluate current systems to create more efficient and standardized processes across and between programs, staff and sites. Successful candidates will demonstrate initiative, ask questions, and be comfortable with projects without pre-determined outcomes. This internship is designed for candidates looking to go into Public Administration, Non-Profit Management, and similar career options.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT INTERNSHIPS
Domestic Violence Housing (DV) Program Internship
Degree Level: BA / BSW (UNDERGRADUATE ONLY)
THIS INTERNSHIP HAS BEEN FILLED FOR THE 2026-2027 ACADEMIC YEAR
Internship Commitment: 16-20 hours / week

Home Start’s Domestic Violence Program provides flexible financial assistance relating to safety and housing security, assists with lease negotiations, and provides outreach and education services to community stakeholders. As an intern, you will provide mobile advocacy services and support to survivors of relationship violence, stalking, and sexual assault or abuse and their children. Successful candidates MUST feel comfortable working in the field directly with clients. Minimum 6 six month placement.

East Housing Program Internship
Degree Level: BA / BSW (UNDERGRADUATE ONLY)
THIS PROGRAM IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING INTERNS AT THIS TIME
Internship Commitment: 16-20 hours / week

Home Start East Housing programs quickly house clients experiencing homelessness to help them return to safe, secure permanent housing. As an intern, you will provide mobile supportive services to clients including moving assistance, rental assistance and case management services. Successful candidates MUST feel comfortable working in the field directly with homeless clients.

Community Services for Families (CSF) Program Internship
Degree Level: BA / BSW (UNDERGRADUATE ONLY)
THIS PROGRAM IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING INTERNS AT THIS TIME
Internship Commitment: n/a

The Community Services for Families (CSF) Program exists to promote child safety, child well-being and stable living environments for children through home-based parent education and case management services. As an intern, you will have exposure to cases and the day-to-day of providing services to this population and your support to our work to increase the stability, self-sufficiency and parenting skills of the families who receive our care. Successful candidates MUST feel comfortable working in the field directly with clients.