Brightpoint (formerly known as Children’s Home & Aid) provides students with the opportunity to apply their theoretical learning within a practical setting. We aim to offer deeply meaningful and individualized learning experiences for those entering early childhood education and social service fields. Interns are required to be pursuing college credit towards a degree.

As a leading child and family service organization with more than 20 locations across Illinois, Brightpoint advances the well-being of children by investing in families to disrupt the systemic and multi-generational cycle of racial, social and economic inequality. 

Brightpoint has a range of Home Visiting programs, including Early Start, Healthy Families Illinois, and Parents as Teachers, provide strength-based, family-centered services to expectant parents and families with young children. Interns will shadow home visiting staff as they meet with families in their homes on a weekly/biweekly basis, providing comprehensive assessment and parent support groups and education. Students will have the opportunity to observe as a Home Visitor develops safe and trusting relationships with expectant and new parents, helps them expand their support networks and maximize access to needed services, while providing support and expertise as they successfully navigate the parenting journey.

Learning opportunities include:

• Learn to complete the intake process with families entering the program.
• Support program staff with engaging families in all aspects of the program.
• Learn the agency’s data entry methods and provide data entry as needed.
• Observe weekly/biweekly home visits to families with young children.
• Learn about assessment of safety and the development of safety plans and strategies in collaboration with families.
• Learn about and complete required screenings and paperwork with families to ensure eligibility for services.
• Research and compile community resources and referrals for clients.
• Gain experience assisting with reports, surveys, and tracking of services.
• Attend relevant trainings and workshops.
• Learn about required documentation and proper filing systems.
• Learn about the history and services of Brightpoint in an orientation to the agency, including introduction to policies & procedures and safety practices.
• Participate in regular supervision with assigned supervisor.
• Complete the following required and recommended trainings: Mandated Reporter, HIPAA, Sexual Harassment Awareness and Prevention, LGBTQIA , Safety, Trauma 101, ARC 101

Internship Supervisor Qualifications

• Internship supervisor credentials: MSW

Student Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing one of the following degrees from an accredited college or university:
• Bachelor's degree in Social Work or other Social Services program.
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Basic organizational and time management skills.
• Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license and automobile insurance.

Additional Details:

• Pass a fingerprinting background check including CANTS and LEADS.
• Brightpoint does not provide compensation to interns.

Where you complete your internship matters.

We believe that by building diverse and inclusive teams of passionate advocates for youth and families, we can continue to show up for Illinois families, putting those families at the center of every decision, and strengthening the communities where we all work, play, and live together. (More about who we are here.)

We invite you to become an active member of a team that supports, inspires, and challenges each other, and grow your career in an organization that celebrates emerging leaders and provides development and learning opportunities aligned with your individual goals and aspirations. If you are looking for an opportunity to do meaningful work, including raising your unique and authentic voice to disrupt the systemic inequality impacting children and families, we encourage you to apply today.

Click here to review our agency’s Blueprint for Impact.