Inclusion Support Internship Program

THE PROGRAM

The Fairfax County Park Authority is proud of its ability and opportunity to provide a variety of intern programs for individuals seeking on-the-job experience in all aspects of Park Authority operations. The agency intern program boasts a well-established history dating back to the 1960's. The program has changed throughout the years, growing and adapting to meet the ever changing needs of the park and recreation profession.

The Fairfax County Park Authority offers internships in a sincere effort to provide a quality, diversified program. Students from a wide variety of educational disciplines have the opportunity to apply traditional academic classroom learning to actual work experience within the Park Authority as well as develop personal and professional skills for future career development and placement.

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TYPE OF INTERNSHIP

University/College
An internship which is required by a university or college to obtain an undergraduate or graduate degree in a chosen field.

In order to qualify for this type of internship, you must:

  1. Hold a junior or senior standing in a four year degree program, be enrolled in the last semester of a two year degree program, or be enrolled in the second half of a graduate program.
  2. Have a "major" grade point average of at least 2.5 (3.0 graduate GPA).
  3. Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills.
  4. Have strong initiative and the ability to work independently.
  5. Follow FCPA outlined application process.
  6. Meet division specified qualifications.

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HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

Supervision
Gary Logue, CTRS and the ADA/Inclusion Section Manager, will be responsible for your interview, training, assignment, and evaluation.

Length of Internships
As stated in the NCTRC standards, the internship will be at least 10 weeks for Therapeutic Recreation majors. The length of the internship for all other majors can be catered to your needs. Dates are flexible.

Pay

General:

  • 1 week of free service to Agency if less than a 200 hour internship.
  • 2 weeks of free service to the agency for internships above 200 hours.

Summer:

  • Interns will be paid 20 of 40 office hours until the start of summer camps. Once training/camps begin, you will be paid the same number of hours as seasonal staff.

School Year:

  • Interns will be paid a minimum of 20 of 40 office hours throughout the internship (additional paid hours possible depending on the number of interns and budgetary issues). Additional paid hours can also be accrued with direct service hours in programs.

Transportation
You are required to have your own means of transportation in order to get to and from work. Intern assignments occasionally require varying work schedules throughout the County. When Agency vehicles are not available, you may be required to utilize your personal vehicle to conduct agency business. If so, you will be reimbursed for your mileage.

Housing
Housing is available in the Park Authority intern residence, free of charge to the out-of-town student.

Orientation
A structured orientation program will be provided to interns during their first few weeks on the job. Meetings with senior managers and the Park Authority Board will be scheduled in addition to a variety of "behind-the-scenes" tours of park sites.

Projects
Depending on your type of internship, you will most likely be required to complete a special project. The FCPA will attempt to customize your special project to compliment your internship requirements.

Evaluation
You will be evaluated twice (2) on your performance at both the midpoint and end of your internship. This evaluation process is generally performed by your Internship Supervisor, with input by your immediate supervisor (if applicable).

 

 

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