Summer Reinforcement Learning Intern Jobs in Minnesota

Project for Pride in Living (PPL)

About Us

Project for Pride in Living (PPL) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building the hope, assets, and self-reliance of individuals and families with lower incomes through affordable housing and career readiness services. We are committed to equity, inclusion, and elevating the voices of the communities we serve.

About Step Up

Step Up Foundations prepares youth (ages 14-21) for future careers by providing training and paid summer internships with local employers that include non-profits, community based organizations and government agencies. Through strong partnerships and intentional support, Step Up creates meaningful work experiences that build skills, confidence, and career pathways.

Position Summary

The Summer Job Coach supports a caseload of interns and employer partners throughout the Step Up summer internship program. This role is equal parts mentor, coach, compliance monitor, and relationship manager, ensuring that both interns and worksites have a high-quality, supportive experience.

Job Coaches help interns develop workplace skills, navigate challenges, and reflect on their learning, while also supporting supervisors in creating positive, development-focused internship environments.

This is a temporary, seasonal position requiring strong communication, organization, and youth development skills.

Approach & Philosophy

• Step Up is a learning program-Job Coaches are expected to approach challenges as opportunities for growth
• Balance accountability with support for both interns and employers
• Foster a positive experience while maintaining program quality and standards

Key Responsibilities

Intern Coaching & Support

• Teach and reinforce workplace norms, communication skills, and professional behavior
• Support interns in problem-solving, self-advocacy, and reflection on their experience
• Provide coaching using a developmental lens (e.g., "at this or any future job...")
• Maintain regular communication and remain accessible for questions or concerns
• Advocate for interns when appropriate while also reinforcing accountability

Employer & Worksite Support

• Build and maintain positive relationships with site supervisors
• Provide guidance on managing interns using Step Up policies and youth development practices
• Support supervisors in addressing performance concerns through coaching and improvement plans
• Reinforce that Step Up is a learning experience, encouraging teaching over punitive responses when appropriate

Site Visits, Professional Development Days & Monitoring

• Conduct a minimum of two in-person visits per worksite (three when possible)
  • First visit: scheduled
  • Second visit: unscheduled to observe typical operations
• Meet separately with interns and supervisors during visits
• Interview interns individually and/or in small groups
• Prioritize visits to new and shorter-term sites early in the summer
• Attend and staff in-person Professional Development days, facilitating workshops aligned to Step Up's Work Readiness Training Course Catalog on June 26th and August 14th
• Document all visits and interactions using required forms
• Monitor compliance with child labor laws and program expectations

Communication & Coordination

• Send introductory emails to supervisors and interns at the start of the program (mid-June)
• Provide weekly email updates with reminders, tips, and important information (First Monday, each week)
• Maintain communication through Launchpad to ensure proper documentation (Ongoing)
• Respond to questions and concerns from interns and supervisors in a timely manner (Ongoing)

Documentation & Program Compliance

• Complete and maintain accurate records of:
  • Site visits
  • Intern and supervisor interviews
  • Performance improvement plans
• Implement and track intern performance improvement plans as needed
• Ensure proper handling of workplace incidents, injuries, and policy violations
• Treat compliance issues as learning opportunities whenever possible

Administrative & Operational Support

• Maintain a traveling binder with required forms and resources, including:
  • Contact lists (interns and supervisors)
  • Interview forms
  • Payroll and attendance forms
  • Emergency and injury documentation
  • Performance improvement plans
• Attend Weekly In Person Job Coach Meetings (held at SUF Headquarters; 2539 Pleasant Ave)
• Assist with payroll troubleshooting, including:
  • Missing or delayed payments
  • Time entry verification
  • Replacement check requests
• Complete end-of-summer site evaluations and reports

Qualifications

• Experience working with youth or young adults (required)
• Strong communication, coaching, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to manage multiple sites and priorities independently
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Ability to navigate conflict and provide constructive feedback
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in workforce development, education, or youth programming
• Familiarity with workplace readiness training or employment programs
• Experience working with diverse communities

Time Commitment

• Seasonal summer position (June-August, approximate)
• Regular weekday availability required; 30 hours per week average
• Flexibility to travel to multiple worksites daily
• Some in-person work required; to be determined upon hiring and caseload

Compensation

Competitive hourly rate (based on experience)