Child and Family Services Internship (Summer 2027)

State of Nebraska • Ogallala, NE

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Child and Family Services Internship offers currently enrolled college or university students—and recent graduates who meet the eligibility requirements—the opportunity to learn how Child and Family Services Specialists serve vulnerable children and families. Interns shadow a Child and Family Services Specialist and gain hands-on experience at local DHHS offices across Nebraska. The role provides exposure to child welfare work supporting healthy, safe, and stable environments for children and youth with their caregivers, including work with families affected by abuse or neglect and, at times, coordination with the legal system toward permanency goals. Interns may learn how case managers connect families with resources to address trauma and promote community safety, while using the least disruptive services necessary to help children succeed and families care for themselves. Onsite locations include Omaha, Lincoln, Scottsbluff, Chadron, Nebraska City, Norfolk, South Sioux City, Hastings, Grand Island, Kearney, York, Seward, Fremont, Ogallala, and other locations.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited two-to-four-year college or university, or graduated from such a program within the past year.

Nice To Haves

• Coursework in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, human services, mental healthcare, criminal justice, education, or a closely related field.

Responsibilities

• Shadow Child and Family Services Specialists to gain hands-on experience.
• Advocate for families.
• Respect the individuality of each child and family served.
• Respect each child’s family and culture.
• Apply family-centered practice principles in case management and include children and families in decisions affecting their lives.
• Promote normalcy in the lives of children in care.
• Follow principles and procedures of Structured Decision Making to support child and family safety.
• Use evidence-based practices that emphasize least-restrictive and family-centered approaches.
• Identify and make appropriate referrals for formal and informal interventions based on family needs.
• Write clear, concise, and descriptive reports in a timely manner for legal entities and the court system.

Benefits

• Select temporary assignments are eligible for health, dental, and long- and short-term disability benefits; eligibility may vary by position, agency, and employment status.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed