Parenting Educator Unpaid Internship - Spring 2027
About The Position
This is a non-merit, unpaid internship position. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise. The 5th District, Department of Corrections is seeking highly motivated interns for a very rewarding internship as a Parent Educator. Interns will work 1:1 with staff mentors for training and online group facilitation with individuals who have criminal justice involvement (clients are not in jail or prison). Interns will gain hands-on experience in online, evidence-based parenting and trauma-informed education classes, group facilitation, and cognitive-behavioral practices. Please note that these internship opportunities are unpaid.
Requirements
- Must be 18 years of age and have completed at least two years of college by the start of the internship
- Must be currently enrolled at an accredited educational institution
- Child and human development knowledge
- Strong verbal/written communication
- Ability to multitask
- A professional demeanor
- Understanding of child development, trauma-informed, evidence-based parenting practices
- Strict adherence to confidentiality
- Comfort working within a criminal justice environment
- Comfortable being in a criminal justice environment
- Applicants must attach a current unofficial transcript
Nice To Haves
- Preferred majors/coursework include, but are not limited to, Child Development, Human Development & Family Studies, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, Psychology, Education, Counseling, Sociology, or Human Services.
Responsibilities
- Observe and co-facilitate virtual groups focused on evidence-based, trauma-informed parenting practices with adults.
- Help reduce domestic violence, intergenerational transmission of abuse and system-involvement, and behavior change.
- Review case files, conduct client intake interviews, and maintain detailed case notes in the electronic data system.
- Communicate client progress, referrals, and updates with Probation Officers, Health and Human Services (HHS), and community partners.
- Assist mentors in revising specialized parenting curricula aimed at reducing recidivism.
- Manage group dynamics, ensure compliance with policies, and facilitate skills-practicing for behavior change.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
Associate degree
