Aspiring Scholars Internship Specialist

Location: California State University San Marcos Corporation (CSUSM Corporation)

Appointment: Full-time, Regular with Benefits, Exempt

*Based on health insurance coverage for employee + family

Competitive salary with outstanding benefits package to include a full health insurance program offering 100% paid premium options for employees and their dependents, 403(b) Retirement Plan with an 8% Employer Contribution - 100% immediate vesting - with a 3% Employee Contribution, and so much more! Full benefits and other information can be found on the CSUSM Corporation website, https://www.csusm.edu/corp/hr/benefits/summary.html.

Posted: December 23, 2025

Application Deadline: First review January 12, 2026 - Open Until Filled

Summary

The Internship Specialist for the CSUSM Aspiring Scholars Program provides essential support and guidance to the on-going development and daily implementation of the Aspiring Scholars’ Internship Program. Under the direction of program directors/coordinators, primary activities include, but are not limited to, collaborating with students to identify on-campus and off-campus internship sites, developing partnerships with on- and off-campus internship sites and associated administrative aspects of establishing campus-partner agreements, collaboration with site supervisors, collaboration with the CSUSM Internship office, as well as student support and job training as necessary. The Internship Specialist also oversees and coordinates peer mentors for students at their internship sites. This is a grant-funded position providing support of the CSUSM Aspiring Scholars Program, an inclusive post-secondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities seeking an inclusive college experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field; equivalent experience may be considered
• Three (3) years of experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Effectiveness in a fast-paced and collaborative work environment
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities in vocational settings
• Knowledge, experience, and commitment to inclusive education of students with intellectual disabilities
• Knowledge or experience of workplace or community accommodations, modifications, or job training strategies to support individuals with intellectual disabilities in vocational settings
• Effectiveness in written communication, oral communication, as well as interpersonal skills in professional settings
• Ability to function effectively with individual students and their families, student employees and volunteers, and to collaborate with university faculty, staff, and administrators
• Ability to independently identify, establish, and sustain mutually beneficial partnerships with new or ongoing vocational internship sites in surrounding community
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and common university-level learning management systems

Other Employment Requirements:

The person holding this position is considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect
Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21,
2017 as a condition of employment.

Mandated Reporter Classification = Limited Reporter

This position is subject to a background check including, but not limited to, employment verification, education
verification, reference checks and criminal record checks. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may
affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSUSM Corporation employees who apply
for the position.

Must participate in CSUSM Corporation, CSU, and university-wide trainings as required.

Must have a valid driver’s license and excellent driver’s record. Will be required to participate in the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Employer Pull Notice Program (EPN).  

The marginal functions of this position have not been included. This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties to be performed. An employee will be required to follow any job-related instruction and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor or other managers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate student vocational internship placements on and off campus
• Collaborate with each internship supervisor to ensure students receive the support they need to be successful
• Oversee and coordinate the peer mentors supporting students in their internship placements
• Collaborate with on-campus and off-campus internship partners, as well as San Diego Regional Center and Department of Rehabilitation, as needed
• Assist in matching students to internship opportunities based on their interests and career aspirations
• Support students in completing internship applications and updating their student profiles, resumes, and portfolios, and other internship related activities, as needed
• Assist in the development of the master schedule each semester, coordinating when and where peer mentors will actively support students in their internships
• Assist in training mentors in how to best support students at their internship
• Ensure students regularly submit timecards and complete other documentation as required to maintain their employment
• Provide support, advisement, and/or otherwise troubleshoot student challenges in internships, and appropriately seek guidance from supervisor as needed
• Coordinate with CSUSM Internship Office to support student registration in an internship course and employment agreement with off-campus businesses as needed
• Recruit peer mentors and complete intern and service-learning students' Send peer mentor feedback surveys and certificates of service to peer mentors at the end of each semester.
• Provide support to other Aspiring Scholars Program components, as assigned

Supervision

• Possible supervision of 1-6 paid peer coaches (student workers). Internship Specialist will have the authority to review students’ performance.
• Supervise 10 - 40 peer mentors (student volunteers and interns, non-employees). Internship Specialist will have the authority to review performance.

Latitude and Judgment

The Internship Specialist exercises considerable independent judgment in developing, implementing, and maintaining internship placements for students in the Aspiring Scholars Program. Working within university policies, state and federal regulations, and program objectives, the Specialist independently establishes partnerships with employers, matches students to appropriate placements, and ensures that all internship experiences align with academic and inclusion goals.

Decisions made by the Internship Specialist include selecting and approving internship sites, determining suitability of work environments, interpreting program policies for partners, and coordinating necessary accommodations in collaboration with employers, disability services, and faculty. The Specialist is responsible for addressing workplace issues, resolving conflicts, and ensuring compliance with labor laws, safety requirements, and institutional policies related to equal opportunity and accessibility (e.g., ADA, FERPA).

Errors in judgment or lack of attention to compliance could result in significant consequences, such as inappropriate or unsafe placements, student or employer dissatisfaction, loss of community partnerships, or violations of university and federal regulations. Such errors may also have financial or reputational impacts on the program through loss of employer relationships or funding tied to student outcomes.

Work Environment

• The work environment will include normal office conditions, daily use of a computer, and internship site
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

"JEANNE CLERY ACT AND CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY RIGHT-TO-KNOW LAW" NOTIFICATION - See website located at http://www.csusm.edu/clery/.

Application Procedure:

Please apply by clicking "Apply" and be sure to submit a cover letter and resume. CSUSM Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is strongly committed to promoting diversity in all areas of the campus community. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, physical or mental disability, gender or sex, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, ancestry, and veteran or military status or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws.

For questions or if you experience any difficulties with the online application process, please contact CSUSM Corporation Human Resources at (760) 750-4700 or hrcorp@csusm.edu.