Community Engagement Intern

USY enables Jewish teens to create meaningful Jewish experiences.  For 73 years, USY has equipped young Jews with the skills, values and confidence essential to become strong leaders in their religious and secular communities.

USY offers Jewish experiences that support and connect youth as they navigate the joys and challenges of growing up.  Through Jewish education and shared experiences, youth discover their passions, realize their potential and find their place in a lifelong supportive community.

USY ensures safe spaces for teen participants to broaden their horizons by exploring, sharing, listening, challenging, empathizing, supporting and thriving in order to pave the way for the next generation of Jewish youth.

USY empowers teens to build relationships that elevate leadership skills that make an impact and a sense of belonging to the Jewish People and Israel, along with a commitment to inspired Jewish living through meaningful and fun experiences rooted in Conservative Judaism’s approach to experiential learning, spiritual expression and social responsibility.

USY inspires teens to share a deep sense of pride and love for their Jewish identity through year-round programming, immersive experiences, domestic and international opportunities and connections.

At USY and USCJ, we don’t just talk about our values – we live them every single day.  Collaboration, Dedication to the Mission, Generosity of Spirit, Innovation and Adaptability, Integrity, Solution Orientation and Striving for Excellence are not just words on a page for us; they are the guiding principles that shape our culture and drive our success.  Join us and observe firsthand how our values inform and direct our work with precision and purpose.

To learn more about us, visit www.usy.org.

Position Summary:

The Chicagoland Community of United Synagogue Youth (USY) seeks a Community Engagement Intern to support teen engagement in the greater Chicago area.  The Intern will work with the Community Director to deliver USY programs, training and development opportunities throughout their communities, with an aim at increasing the numbers of engaged Jewish teens.  The Intern is responsible for supporting community programming at each event.

The Community Director offers guidance, mentorship and supervision to the Intern related to teen experiential education, mentoring and Jewish education.  Additional learning opportunities will be available through webinars.

Responsibilities:

• Community outreach on behalf of USY
  • Recruit for USY in community Hebrew High Schools and Day Schools
  • Work with local kehillot to strengthen their youth programs
  • Mentor local chapter and other teen leaders
• Support of Community Activities
  • Support recruitment efforts for Communal and International USY programs (summer experiences, Leadership Training Institute and International Conventions)
  • Staff Chapter-hosted Conventions in the community, day programs and International Conventions within the Chicago area
• Based on Intern’s skillset may offer opportunities to: 
  • Support community communications (newsletters, social media, website, etc.)
  • Develop educational materials and trainings
  • Alumni outreach
  • Staff USY Summer Programs
  • Work with Teen USY Executive Board in areas of leadership training and development  
• Represent USY, USCJ and the Conservative Movement in the community

Other Duties:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive description of responsibilities and activities required of the Intern.  Responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Supervisory Responsibility

• The Intern supports the Community Director in supervising teen leaders, coordinating programming and supporting teen leadership development. 
• The Intern is responsible for staffing youth programs and other adult staff positions in USY programs and will hold a position of authority with teen staff.
• As a USY staff member is an authority figure for participants and is responsible for their safety and security at all times.
• The Intern demonstrates a positive dugma (role model) for participants at all times.

Work Environment:

This position is primarily remote.  As the Intern is required to staff programs in the Chicagoland and nearby Chicago area, preference will be given to candidates within Chicagoland.  This is a majority home office position and it is expected that the professional working from home will be utilizing office equipment in the home such as computer and phone.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the Intern to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

While performing the duties of this job, the Intern is regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or touch and reach with hands and arms.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

Variable hours are flexible based on needs of the program

This is a part-time position, with a commitment of approximately 10 hours per week

Required Education and Experience:

• Minimum – 1 year of college  
• Experience working with youth

Preferred Skills:

• Active listening
• Ability to set and respect firm boundaries
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills
• Ability to give and accept constructive feedback
• Excellent time management skills
• Organizational skills
• Conflict resolution skills

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Must be able to pass a background check
• Must be able to complete USY’s Child Safety Onboarding
• If the Intern’s intended mode of travel is by car, they must be able to show a valid driver’s license

Work Authorization:

Employees hired to work in the United States USCJ offices must have USA authorization

Travel:

Must be able to travel occasionally to visit local congregations including evening and weekend responsibilities as determined by the Community Director   

Salary/Academic Credit:

This internship is unpaid.  Participants have the option to receive academic credit in recognition of their work.

USCJ/USY is an Equal Opportunity Employer.