Internship, CCS Moline Foster Care Child Welfare Caseworker Practicum Student

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 alongside Child Welfare Specialist (CWS); the program is 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.

Internship Details - For Spring 2027 Semester Only:

• 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:

• Assisting with case management activities, including documentation, data entry, and report preparation
• Supporting the assessment of family needs and service planning processes
• Helping connect families to community resources and verifying service participation
• Participating in case staffing’s, supervision, and Child and Family Team Meetings (CFTMs)
• Collaborating with schools, healthcare providers, and service agencies to promote positive outcomes for children
• Supporting case workers in monitoring child safety, well-being, and service engagement
• Assisting with safety planning and advocacy efforts with community or governmental systems
• Maintaining confidentiality and adhering to all agency policy and procedures

Learning Opportunities:

• Exposure to strength-based, trauma-informed case management practices
• Participation in assessment, service planning, and intervention processes
• Experience with multidisciplinary collaboration across service systems
• Understanding compliance with state regulations, COA standards, and agency policies
• Development of professional documentation, communication, and advocacy skills

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

Organization 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.