SOAR Benefits Intern

Kenneth Young Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit dedicated to providing comprehensive outpatient behavioral health services to individuals of all walks of life. Located in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, we offer a wide range of services including outpatient therapeutic care, recovery-oriented support, community prevention, LGBTQ+ outreach, older adult services, and crisis intervention. Our team welcomes and celebrates unique perspectives and represents the diversity and vitality of our local communities. Join our team to grow in your career while building stronger, healthier communities.

Internship Description: The SOAR Benefits Intern supports the agency’s mission to increase access to income and public benefits for individuals with little to no income. Interns assist SOAR Benefits Specialists in providing targeted, client-centered services to adults transitioning from nursing facilities through the Colbert/Williams Transition Program, as well as individuals diverting from nursing facility placement through the Front Door Program. The intern will receive training in the SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) model and gain hands-on experience assessing client eligibility for public benefits. Responsibilities include assisting clients with applications for pharmaceutical assistance programs, SNAP, Medicaid, and Social Security benefits (SSDI/SSI). Interns may also accompany clients to appointments and hearings with the Social Security Administration and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), as appropriate.

Responsibilities / Skill Development:

• Client engagement and customer service skills
• Community resource identification, coordination, and referral
• Experience and understanding of social work practices and working with adults with mental health challenges
• Familiarity with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES)
• Experience assisting with applications for SSDI/SSI, public benefits, and entitlement programs
  
  

One Semester (flexible), Spring 2026.

Career Development: This internship would prepare interns as they explore positions such as case worker, care coordinator, or benefits specialist.

For more information regarding this internship, please reach out to careers@kennethyoung.org

(Please note, this is an unpaid internship.)