Internship, CCS Foster Care- Multi-Disciplinary Team Practicum Student

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois • Galesburg, IL

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

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 through our Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) by coordinating and facilitating Child and Family Team Meetings (CFTM) for foster care case workers. This internship provides hands-on experience in collaborative case planning, family engagement, and team facilitation within the child welfare system. The intern will play an active role in organizing and leading meetings that bring together families, service providers, and professionals to support the safety, permanency, and well-being of children. This internship is designed as a two-semester practicum placement spanning both Fall and Spring semesters. Applicants must be enrolled in a program that requires and permits continuous placement across both semesters. Single-semester placement is not offered with this position. 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: Application Deadline: April 30. 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Must pass a criminal and CANTS (DCFS) background check.
• 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.
• Applicants must be enrolled in a program that requires and permits continuous placement across both semesters.

Nice To Haves

• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and documentation systems

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and schedule Child and Family Team Meetings (CFTM’s) for case workers and involved case members and stakeholders
• Prepare for meetings by reviewing case information and collaborating with case workers to identify goals, participants and discussion topics.
• Facilitate and lead CFTM’s using strength-based and family-centered approaches.
• Support meaningful family engagement by ensuring parents, youth, and natural supports have an opportunity to participate and share input.
• Document meeting outcomes, service recommendations, and action steps in a clear and timely manner.
• Track and maintain data related to CFTM meetings, including attendance, meeting frequency, case progress, and identified service needs.
• Communicate meeting summaries and follow-up tasks with caseworkers and team members.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with all organizational policies and procedures.
• Participate in supervision and team meetings to review cases, receive feedback, and develop facilitation skills.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern