Reception, Data Entry Internship at Housing Rights Committee of San Francisco

by Norma Abella

My internship is at the Housing Rights Committee of San Francisco, it is a non-profit organization that helps some residents in San Francisco with issues they have with their landlords. I did not know that this organization existed until I started interning there.

My position is Receptionist and Data Entry Specialist. I am so excited because I am learning how to use FileMaker Pro, a software program for Mac. I had never used it before, so it’s a brand new experience. It is a lot like Access. In the afternoons, I sit in the reception area greeting clients and assisting them with the mandatory paperwork. I also answer the incoming calls. Recently, I started calling Spanish speaking clients and asking them for the update of their complaints.

I start at 9:00am and begin with any paperwork that needs to be entered in FileMaker Pro and if the information has been already input, I verify the information and comments. After having lunch I’m at the receptionist’s seat, and get ready because it is a very busy office. The office is open to walk-ins from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Monday thru Thursday and they are closed to the public on Fridays.

I have not been trained as a counselor, but I did help with one of their Spanish speaking clients, and one of the challenges that I faced during that meeting was that when explaining things to the client, he got stuck on this problem and wasn’t listening to a resolution or acknowledging that landlords also have rights. I was told that this is a common issue.

Overall, my internship is teaching me many things including, dealing with all types of clients to learning a new program. I like this internship because I enjoy helping people and it is a very impressive organization. I like that they help residents of San Francisco at no cost to the residents and that most counselors are also giving their time to help out, out of a staff of 12 only 3 are paid.