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.

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.