Internship, CCS, Moline Foster Care Multi-Disciplinary Team Assistant

Foster Care Program 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 intern to support our Foster Care Program through our Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) by coordinating and facilitating Child and Family Team Meetings (CFTM) for foster care case workers. This internship provides hands-on experience in collaborative case planning, family engagement, and team facilitation within the child welfare system. The intern will play an active role in organizing and leading meetings that bring together families, service providers, and professionals to support the safety, permanency, and well-being of children.

Internship:

• Fall, Spring, Summer placement 12-20 hours a week
• Must pass a criminal and CANTS (DCFS) background check
• Due to criminal background check and CANTS processing timelines, internship application deadlines are established to allow adequate time for clearance prior to the start of placement:
• Fall Semester Application Deadline: April 30
• Spring Semester Application Deadline: September 30
• Summer Semester Application Deadline: January 31
• Must be available for group supervision, team meetings and agency trainings
• Must be able to work one evening per week, as needed
• Must provide proof of current car insurance
• Must feel comfortable with in home family visits
• Must demonstrate initiative, professionalism, and willingness to learn

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and schedule Child and Family Team Meetings (CFTM's) for case workers and involved case members and stakeholders
• Prepare for meetings by reviewing case information and collaborating with case workers to identify goals, participants and discussion topics.
• Facilitate and lead CFTM's using strength-based and family-centered approaches.
• Support meaningful family engagement by ensuring parents, youth, and natural supports have an opportunity to participate and share input.
• Document meeting outcomes, service recommendations, and action steps in a clear and timely manner.
• Track and maintain data related to CFTM meetings, including attendance, meeting frequency, case progress, and identified service needs.
• Communicate meeting summaries and follow-up tasks with caseworkers and team members.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with all organizational policies and procedures.
• Participate in supervision and team meetings to review cases, receive feedback, and develop facilitation skills.

Learning Opportunities:

• Gain experience in Child and Family Team Meetings and multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Develop skills in meeting facilitation, conflict management, and group communication.
• Learn how collaborative case planning supports safety, permanency, and well-being outcomes for children in care.
• Develop experience with data tracking, documentation practices, and program accountability in child welfare settings.
• Understand the role of family engagement and natural support in the child welfare system.
• Experience real-world application of trauma-informed and strengths-based practices.
• Build professional skills in documentation, coordination, and systems collaboration.

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 confidential and sensitive information appropriately
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and documentation systems preferred
• Interest in working with children and families in a supportive setting.

Agency and Mission Values:

Our program is committed to supporting children and families through compassionate, strength-based, and culturally responsive services that promote safety, permanency, and well-being. Interns are expected to uphold agency values of professionalism, respect, integrity, inclusion, and service excellence throughout their placement experience.

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.