Spring 2027 Social Services Practicum
About The Position
ArchCity Defenders (ACD) is a holistic legal advocacy organization dedicated to combating the criminalization of poverty and state violence, particularly in communities of color. ACD's integrated approach, encompassing civil and criminal legal representation, social services, impact litigation, policy and media advocacy, and community collaboration, strives to achieve justice and equitable outcomes for individuals throughout the St. Louis region and beyond. ACD envisions a society free from oppressive systems, where justice and racial equity are realized. This includes communities that prioritize investment in well-being, health, and transformation over criminalization and incarceration, allowing people to live freely and thrive regardless of their race or income. ACD and its partners are actively engaged in re-envisioning public safety, promoting community well-being through policy changes, and holding public actors accountable for misconduct. They challenge a system of policing, courts, and jails that prioritizes municipal financial needs over community needs, a practice that gained national attention during the 2014 Ferguson Uprising and persists in the region. The organization engages in litigation and collaborative advocacy to end abusive practices and empower targeted communities. This practicum student will work alongside ACD's diverse staff of attorneys, paralegals, social workers, community organizers, and media and communication advocates, providing holistic advocacy to address the root causes and consequences of poverty and legal system involvement. The student will support the social services team, assisting clients and demonstrating how communities can reimagine public safety through a racial and social justice lens, fostering individual self-determination and community empowerment. ACD offers practicum experience at the intersection of law and social work, where interns provide holistic, trauma-informed case management. This includes support with housing, identification, public benefits, transportation, and other client needs. The Social Services program also manages a Food Delivery program and ACD's annual Holiday Gift Drive. A successful intern will be assertive, independent, persistent, empathetic, proactive, and flexible, taking initiative, utilizing problem-solving skills, completing projects, and advocating effectively for themselves and others.
Requirements
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
- Comfort and experience with researching resources and programs for clients
- Detail-oriented approach to working in a team-driven organization
- High capacity for problem-solving and self-direction and the ability to work independently within time constraints
- Flexible and able to respond appropriately to ACD’s changing needs
- Must be able to maintain appropriate client boundaries
- Commitment to racial and economic justice and systems change
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity toward diverse populations; awareness of structures of power, privilege, and oppression
- Knowledge of homelessness and/or the criminal legal system; best practices, particularly around economic gaps and needs; or passion to learn about these issues, systems, and resources
Responsibilities
- Conduct intakes and bio-psycho-social assessments and provide holistic, trauma-informed case management for clients
- Work closely with the social services team and legal staff to assist with various client needs
- Strategize with field instructor, attorneys, social workers, and clients regarding goals and case plan
- Maintain proper records and documentation for agency internal and external requirements
- Offer crisis intervention, psychoeducation, affirming and empathetic listening, and support to clients/clients’ families
- Empower clients by working with them to identify barriers and solutions
- Create and maintain an up-to-date client support resource list
- Be self-aware and know when to seek help from supervisor/co-workers
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with community resources to foster effective coordination of services for clients
- Attend any trainings as assigned
- Participate in mezzo- and macro-level social work projects as needed
- Support the mission of ACD and work with staff to support that mission through social work services
- Any other duties as assigned to help the social services team do its best work
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
