Internship, CCS Moline Foster Care Permanency Achievement 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 Permanency Achievement Specialist (PAS) and Foster Care Programs. This internship is designed to provide hands-on experience supporting permanency planning efforts for children and families involved in the child welfare system. Interns will gain exposure to reunification, adoption, subsidized guardianship, case coordination, and family engagement practices while developing professional social work and human service skills.

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:

• Assist staff with permanency planning efforts for children and families working toward adoption or subsidized guardianship.
• Support Child Welfare Specialist and Permanency staff with identifying barriers to permanency and connecting families to community resources and supportive services.
• Participate in child and family team meetings, case staffing’s, and supervision.
• Assist with compiling and organizing documentation related to permanency efforts.
• Support workers in preparing documentation associated with adoption or guardianship planning processes.
• Collaborate with schools, healthcare providers, family parents, community agencies, and other stakeholders to support positive permanency outcomes for children.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with all organizational, DCFS, and agency policies and procedures.
• Respond professionally and respectfully to families, staff, and community providers.

Learning Opportunities:

• Gain exposure to permanency planning practices within child welfare services.
• Develop skills in family engagement, advocacy, and service coordination.
• Learn how social workers support adoption and subsidized guardianship processes.
• Increase understanding of trauma-informed, strength-based, and culturally responsive practice.
• Observe interdisciplinary collaboration and community resource coordination.
• Learn documentation standards and child welfare compliance practices.
• Build professional communication, assessment, and case management skills within a child welfare setting.

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.