Internship - Child Welfare Specialist - Aurora, IL

Child Welfare Specialist Intern

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI), is a leading not-for-profit organization providing healing, justice and wholeness to people and communities. For over 150 years, LSSI has made a difference in the lives of children and families, and we're still a strong, viable presence in the State of Illinois, continuing that commitment to making a difference.

This is an unpaid internship. We are seeking a motivated Child Welfare Specialist Intern to support our Foster Care Program, designed to promote the well-being and safety of children and families. This internship offers hands-on experience in case management, service coordination, and client advocacy, while providing meaningful exposure to the field of social work and human services.

• Fall/ Spring placement
• Must be available for group supervision, team meetings and agency trainings
• Must be able to work one evening per week
• Must provide proof of current car insurance
• Must feel comfortable, after a training period, to supervise parent child visits and intervene in the visit when necessary
• Must feel comfortable with in home family visits
• Pass criminal and CANTS (DCFS) background check
• Must be proactive and take the initiative to learn

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise parent/child visitation sessions to ensure child safety and appropriate interaction, if applicable.
• Participate in team meetings and supervision to review case progress and receive guidance.
• Assist in assessing family needs and helping connect families with appropriate community resources.
• Support caseworkers in monitoring service participation and child well-being.
• Collaborate with schools, healthcare providers, and other service agencies to promote positive outcomes for children.
• Help facilitate family-child team meetings and case staffing's.
• Assist with documentation, data entry, and preparation of reports in a timely and accurate manner.
• Maintain client confidentiality and comply with all organizational policies and procedures.

Learning Opportunities:

• Gain experience in case management and family advocacy.
• Develop skills in client assessment and service coordination.
• Learn how to create and implement safety plans and service goals.
• Understand the importance of strength-based, trauma-informed care.
• Experience real-world application of social service policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or related field.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Interest in working with children and families in a supportive setting.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, pregnancy, any other characteristic protected by law.