Intern - Social Worker

General Statement

The Social Work Intern, under general supervision, performs advanced, professional level casework providing protective, investigative, counseling and case management services for children who at risk for neglect and/or abuse. Employees are assigned to local departments of Social Services and provide social work services including treatment and immediate response to crisis situations for at-risk children in the most complex cases in the departments. Work involves investigation of alleged neglect and abuse, substantiation of the alleged neglect or abuse as prescribed by federal and state guidelines, providing expert testimony in court hearings, and following-up with case management and preventive services for clients. Employees analyze situations and determine appropriate courses of action immediately or in short time spans and often under very stressful conditions. Employees may provide group, family or individual treatment to clients of any age and any developmental, mental, medical, substance abuse, financial or family problem. Employees may have combined investigative and treatment roles or may have separate functions depending on the size and organizational structure of the departments of Social Services.

This is a unpaid internship.

Essential Functions

• Observe/shadow Case Management, Foster Care and Guardianship Services for children/adults who have been neglected and/or abused.

• Observe/shadow clinical and social investigation, assessment of individuals and family dynamics, and crisis intervention.

• Attend school meetings and Child and Family Team meetings.

• Complete referrals for treatment and placement in foster care or residential facilities.

• Complete collaterals and supervise visitation.

• Observe/shadow home visits at least once a month for each foster child assigned to the case.

• Maintain case data and documentation through various computer programs as needed.

• Gain knowledge of social work principles, techniques and practices and their applications to complex casework, treatment and investigation of abuse or neglect of children and adults.

• Gain knowledge of policies and procedures as evidenced by the ability to cite the authority of federal and state law.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Requires current attendance in Masters of Social Work program with an accredited university; or a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited school of social work; or a four-year degree in a human services field.

Licenses or Certifications:

Valid Driver's License with a safe driving history.