Download I reviewed again the PPM Section II

Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. (“YAP”) Internship Policy
(Effective Date: 10/1/08)
BACKGROUND
From time to time, students have requested that they receive college credits instead of
wage for working at YAP. This policy is intended to assure that all such requests are
handled in fair and consistent fashion.
POLICY
Absent special circumstances and a written agreement to the contrary, YAP internships
are unpaid. No offers to pay interns any kind of compensation, including fringe benefits
such as health insurance, should be extended without the approval of YAP’s HR Director
and the applicable State President or Chief.
While wages are not to be paid to interns, a program may decide to reimburse an intern
for his/her approved, YAP-related expenses.
If a program plans to bill for an intern’s services, then the "intern" is really an employee
who must complete the normal employment process and then be paid the prevailing
minimum wage (without benefits). Under these circumstances, the intern is comparable
to a behavioral health trainee who receives minimum wage before transitioning into
regular employment.
Whether or not interns receive any type of financial reimbursement, they may not work
with YAP clients until all of the regular protections applicable to new advocates or other
direct service workers are followed. Thus, all interns must do each of the following: (1)
undergo the same background and reference checks as employees; (2) complete an
application and interview process; (3) timely complete whatever training is required for
their position; and (4) obey all applicable state and federal regulations, including those
which may limit their client contact. Interns who may drive a car within the scope of
their YAP responsibilities (whether or not transporting clients) also must present
satisfactory proof of a current driver’s license and an acceptable level of auto insurance.
Finally, all interns should sign an agreement that will describe the intern relationship,
including each of the following: (1) the primary duties of the intern; (2) the expected
length of the internship; (3) the manner in which their work will be monitored and the
person who will be supervising them; and (4) the college or university through which
they are obtaining credits and the contact person at their school. A template for this
agreement is attached.
RELATED DOCUMENTS
YAP’s Hiring Policy.
YAP Personnel Policy Manual § II (Information Required for Employment).
YAP INTERNSHIP AGREEMENT
This agreement sets forth all of the terms of the internship which [NAME]
(hereafter "Intern") will complete with Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. ("YAP").
Intern understands and accepts each of the following terms:
1. Intern will not receive any wages or fringe benefits, including insurance, from YAP
associated with the internship. Intern may be reimbursed, however, for agreed-upon
expenses at the discretion of his/her YAP supervisor.
2. Instead of wages, Intern will receive college credits for his/her YAP internship from
the following school or university: ________________________________________.
3. Intern must undergo the same background and reference checks as new YAP
employees. YAP will pay the associated costs if Intern's sponsoring college or university
cannot do so.
4. Intern must complete a YAP application and interview process. Thereafter, Intern
must satisfactorily complete the following YAP training:
_______________________________________________________________________
5. Once trained, Intern's primary duties and responsibilities at YAP will be:
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
6. This YAP internship may be terminated by YAP or the Intern for any reason upon
giving written notice. Unless terminated prematurely, this internship is expected to begin
and end approximately on the following dates: [mo/date/yr – mo/date/yr.]
7. At YAP, Intern will be primarily supervised by ______________________________
8. YAP's above-named supervisor may contact Intern's college supervisor/coordinator
for any reason about the Intern. The name, address and phone number of Intern's college
supervisor/coordinator are: _________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
So agreed this
day of
_____________________________
Intern's Name
_____________________________
YAP Supervisor's Name
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