Internship, Child Welfare Specialist Assistant

Internship Opportunity

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 and Family Finding Specialist through family engagement, permanency support activities, and community resource coordination that help strengthen connections and positive outcomes for children and families. This internship provides hands-on experience in child welfare services, permanency planning, family finding practices, and case support activities while offering meaningful exposure to the field of social work and community services.

The intern will assist the Family Finding Specialist with planning and coordinating events that support the mission and the organization. This role will support efforts to ensure permanency activities and family engagement practices align with the missions, values, and goals of LSSI.

Internship Details:

• 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 weekends or evening, as needed for events
• 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:

• Assist in planning, organizing, and coordinating fundraising and community engagement events.
• Support efforts to ensure events align with LSSI's mission, values, and organizational priorities.
• Assist with event logistics including scheduling, vendor coordination, and space preparation, and volunteer coordination.
• Help develop event materials such as invitations, promotional materials, and information resources.
• Assist with donor and community outreach efforts to support event participation and engagement.
• Track event-related data including attendance, donations, sponsorships, and community participation.
• Assist with maintaining accurate records and documentation related to fundraising activities and event outcomes.
• Support post-event follow-up activities including donor acknowledgment, reporting, and evaluation.
• Participate in team meetings and supervision to review progress and receive guidance.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with all organizational policies and procedures.

Learning Opportunities:

• Gain hands-on experience in nonprofit event planning and fundraising.
• Learn about donor engagement, community outreach, and nonprofit development strategies.
• Develop skills in project management, event coordination, and collaborative planning.
• Understand how fundraising efforts support programs that serve children and families.
• Learn how nonprofit organizations ensure events and fundraising activities align with mission, values, and compliance requirements

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.