Social Work Practicum (unpaid)
About The Position
Social work practicum students are an important part of Legal Services of Eastern Missouri’s holistic, interdisciplinary service delivery team. Opportunities and experiences vary according to student interests and the needs of the programs or departments seeking practicum students. LSEM is seeking practicum students for programs including Advocates for Older Adults, Children’s Legal Alliance, Health & Welfare Programs, Housing Law Program, Lasting Solutions Family Law Program, Legal Advocacy for Adults with Mental Illness, Rural Outreach, and Youth and Family Advocacy Program. No Summer 2026 positions are available. Practicum activities may include client intake, assessment, and interviewing; case management and service navigation; crisis intervention and safety planning; hearing or trial preparation and courtroom support; client- and community-level advocacy; community networking, outreach, and coalition building; educational presentations; policy research and analysis; needs assessment and program evaluation; grant research, writing, and reporting; and resource development. Legal Services of Eastern Missouri is a nonprofit law firm that provides free civil legal services. It advances justice through legal representation, education, and supportive services, partnering with the community to improve lives, promote fairness, and create opportunities for people in need. Since 1956, LSEM has provided civil legal assistance and access to justice for low-income people in 21 Missouri counties. Its work includes systemic advocacy, impact litigation, and individual cases in areas such as family law, housing, health, public benefits, consumer matters, education, disability, community economic development, and immigration.
Requirements
- Enrolled in a BSW or MSW program.
- Strong problem-solving and de-escalation skills.
- Ability to engage and collaborate with clients and community partners from diverse backgrounds.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational and collaboration skills.
- Attention to detail and ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
- Finalists must register with the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services Family Care Safety Registry through the state’s BSEES portal, provide required identifying information, request screening results, and submit those results by the stated deadline. Employment is contingent on timely completion and results meeting role eligibility standards.
Responsibilities
- Conduct client intake, assessment, and interviewing.
- Provide case management and help clients navigate services.
- Assist with crisis intervention and safety planning.
- Support hearing and trial preparation and courtroom activities.
- Advocate at the client and community levels.
- Participate in community networking, outreach, and coalition building.
- Prepare and deliver educational presentations to staff, community partners, and clients.
- Conduct policy research and analysis.
- Assist with needs assessments and program evaluations.
- Conduct grant research and assist with grant writing and reporting.
- Support resource development.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
