Social Work Intern (Unpaid), Family & Children Services Division, Human Services Department

Stearns County Mission: Provide Exceptional Public Services to Assure a Safe, Healthy, Vibrant County for All.
Stearns County Values: Professional | Approachable | Responsive | Collaborative | Fair & Equitable

Stearns County is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, public assistance status, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation.

It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Stearns County derives strength from its workforce and provides a welcoming environment where all are respected and valued. 

We are accepting applications from college students for an unpaid Social Work Internship in the public sector. This opportunity is open to students currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program. Two interns will be selected to join our team starting in Fall 2026.

View Internship Testimonials 

Internship Objective:

To introduce an intern to County social work services for individuals, families, and children involving complex social problems. The intern will observe and assist with tasks such as intakes, assessments, investigations, developing case plans, and ongoing case management, in one or more of the target areas of: Child Protection; Child and Youth Services; Day Care Licensing or Adoption Services. The intern will job shadow Social Workers which may include visits to client homes and participating in community group meetings

Interns can expect to gain experience in understanding:

• Training in the statewide Social Services Information System (SSIS) for client services and case planning
• Collaboration with all units and services provided by the Family & Children Services Division
• Involvement in the child protection process: intake, assessment/investigation, case management
• Education neglect prevention 
• Learning the court process for juvenile protection proceedings
• Data privacy and ethical considerations
• Solution Focused Practices
• Building professional relationships and collaborations within the agency and with community partners
• Child Welfare Foundations Training opportunities, including ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act)

Qualified Candidates will possess:

• Current enrollment in an accredited college pursuing a degree in social work, sociology, psychology or another closely related major.
• Enrollment as a junior or senior in a college program at the time of the internship.
• Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher.
• Ability to commit to 200 hours for internship.
• Ability to conduct oneself professionally and effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing.

Interview Date
If you are selected to be interviewed for this internship, interviews will be held on a date to be determined. Invitations to interview will be based upon an assessment of education and area of study. Students may be required to submit a college transcript.
 

If you require special accommodations to participate in the Stearns County hiring process, please contact us at 320-656-3606.