social work internship experience essay

What I Learned From My First Intern

By: Tina Landeen Panos, LCSW

I was so excited to get my first intern. My mind was busy ticking off the valuable bits of wisdom and knowledge I could impart to her. The years of schooling, the papers, the internships, the field experience, the naked clients (that’s a story for another article)—I could share them all. I had been through so much, learned so much, and knew so much. This was going to be my chance to give back. I wasn’t prepared for some of the lessons I would learn from her.

#1: Question authority.

    This sounds almost silly coming from me, as I tend to pride myself as being somewhat of a rebel, but after so many years in the field, it’s safe to say that some of the “shiny” has worn off. Why we do some of the things we do doesn’t always cross my mind. The paperwork, forms, and protocols seem to run into each other like a stream that tumbles from here to there. When presented with questions from my intern, I was forced to take notice of the processes I go through. I took some time to examine my work and either reaffirm its value or get rid of it. Mindful practice has always been a goal of mine, and until I was really questioned about it, I thought I was doing it. I learned that continued questioning keeps the fidelity to one’s practice.

#2: Keep learning.

    In finding some of the weaknesses in my intern’s knowledge, I dutifully sought opportunities for trainings she could attend. Tagging along to these trainings that I always seemed too busy for previously gave some fresh light on practices I was currently using, as well as opening my eyes to new possibilities. Again, sometimes we are on such automatic pilot dealing with our day-to-day operations that we lose sight of the power of learning from each other. Isolating ourselves in our practice doesn’t benefit us as clinicians or our clients. This leads me to my next lesson.

#3: Appreciate your knowledge.

    Have you ever had this moment? You’re talking, and all of a sudden, you are outside of yourself listening and thinking, “Damn, I really sound like I know what I’m talking about.” I really hope I’m not the only one that’s ever thought that, but seriously, until I had my intern eagerly looking to me for answers, I hadn’t realized just how much knowledge I had. Not to say that I know it all, but there is a lot that I do know. Another benefit—now I won’t be so bitter writing that student loan check. This brings me to my final lesson.

#4: Perspective.

    After all those classes, that interning, those lectures and clients, the way I see the world has really changed. How things look when you’re an “expert” is vastly different from how they looked before all the experience. This is helpful to remember when your client isn’t seeing things as they so obviously are to you...like when I’m imparting nuggets of wisdom to clients. Now I’ll work harder to put it in a more palatable way for them.

    “So, what’s so hard about changing those negative thought patterns and distorted cognitions so that you can function with less maladaptive schemas?” Huh? Of course, this is a gross exaggeration for comedic effect. I would never talk like this to my clients. Besides, I work with teenagers, and they already know everything.

    I’ve learned so much with my first intern. It’s an experience I’ve enjoyed immensely and would recommend to other professionals interested in illuminating the minds of future social workers. This especially goes for other professionals who don’t mind learning a thing or two themselves.  

Tina Landeen Panos is a licensed clinical social worker with a certification in child welfare. Currently, she is the clinical director at the Center for Brain Training in Jupiter, FL, a center providing neurofeedback therapy to clients.

This article appeared in The New Social Worker, Summer 2012, Vol. 19, No. 3. All rights reserved. Please contact Linda Grobman for permission to reprint.

All material published on this website Copyright 1994-2023 White Hat Communications. All rights reserved. Please contact the publisher for permission to reproduce or reprint any materials on this site. Opinions expressed on this site are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

A reflection On My Internship as a Social Worker

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How I Demonstrated Leadership as an Intern

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The Skills to Develop and Improve on in My career

Having known that in social work, great leaders not only a guide but add value to this noble profession by articulating goals. It is crucial to develop and improve some skills to achieve this. The facility I was in was always flooded with clients who needed various services from social work practitioners. Juggling of many clients at ago became very difficult for me to handle; it’s challenging being a new intern. At one point, one of the clients went back unattended due to the time factor.  My internship experience exposed how I desperately needed a high level of organization and management skills in keeping up with several client issues. At the same time, the skills deemed essential in organizing paperwork that is a major required during the internship and after e mployment . I am flexible and yearning to improve my organizational skills by either training or looking for more experience in the same area. The field of social work is for critical thinkers which discourage generalization of ideas, how can an individual respond to a spontaneous problem? Just like in the case study I provided before, maybe I would have solved things amicably with my colleagues without offending them. I had in mind that our field is congested with very emotional people. It also dawned on me that a social worker should be an empathetic person. Practicing empathy in a strict person is very difficult. Some clients are rigid and hard to control. I realized it is good for me to improve on my empathetic skills in the future to serve better.

I saw the felt the plight of the aged during my internship program. Most adults were rendered homeless, with no one to take care of them. Have you imagined being left outside an old home gate with no identification? This became my nightmare during my internship. From experience, I realized one policy area that needs reassessment is the increase of funds to the housing policy. One of the intended outcomes of the plan is to bring an end to homelessness by providing dignity to the elderly who should remain in contact with their communities, families, and the nation at large. Baby boomers are at risk!

On the contrary, families of older people might take advantage of them, posing a great stretch on the general economy. I celebrate that, in the future, I will step up on opportunities that will take pride in my career, such as leadership skills. My hope is I become an experience social work leader with excellent skills ready to inspire other aspiring members of the nation by stepping into the fullest of my potential. I realized, social workers are naturally skilled, innovative leaders.

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Social Work Values Development During Internship Essay

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Personal Reflection

Saint leo’s core value.

Internships equip learners with adequate concepts to support their career objectives. I started my internship on January 10, 2018 at First Home Care. The facility is found in Portsmouth, Virginia. This journal gives a detailed reflection of my achievements and development of social work values.

My internship at First Home Care has widened my skills and knowledge in service delivery. The first training program after starting my placement focused on CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention. This program equipped me with satisfactory competencies for managing assaultive and disruptive behaviors. I understood how to improve the level of relationship between practitioners and their clients. Additionally, the training process focused on the CPI Crisis Development Model. The tool guides practitioners to implement desirable approaches for dealing with crises.

From 15 th January, the team received CPR and First Aid training. Personally, I learned how to help individuals with stings, strains, cuts, burns, splinters, and abrasions. My team also learned how to give CPR on children, adults, and infants. On 19 th January, I started my training in a program known as Day Support Program for Autism. It mainly focused on autism in adults. I understood how to empower, teach, and guide adults with the condition to engage in various activities or aspects in their communities. I collaborated with a counselor who was in charge of three adults with autism. My experience with these three patients made it easier for me to understand the issues associated with autism. I am also expecting to acquire and use numerous theoretical models to support the needs of patients with diverse health and psychological needs.

These tools and programs resonate with most of the values and concepts gained in class. For instance, the above ideas have empowered me to meet the changing needs of different patients, support their developmental goals, and offer exemplary services. Since patients usually require personalized services, I have understood how to offer the best support to them. Individuals in need of exemplary services should be empowered using the right techniques. This analysis indicates that my internship will eventually support my future clinical goals.

I am yet to learn new techniques that can be embraced to support persons experiencing different challenges in life. This gap explains why the remaining days will be taken seriously in order to acquire adequate skills for empowering more people in need of exemplary social or health services. I will also engage in lifelong learning. This practice will equip me with new insights for efficient social and clinical care delivery.

My internship experience has guided me to develop and apply each of Saint Leo’s core values. The value that has supported me throughout the internship experience is that of community. I have been able to interact with many people such as patients, instructors, and community members. Consequently, I have acquired powerful attributes such as a sense of belonging, interdependence, and unity. I have also understood the importance of respecting and trusting others. The value of community has guided me to listen, serve, and meet the needs of more people.

This reflection shows clearly that my internship is already a success. I have gained new competencies, skills, and ideas that echo most of the concepts studied in class. The value of community will make me successful in my clinical practice. I will also be in a position to address my clients’ social needs. The acquired attributes will empower me to transform the experiences of many people.

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Your Guide to Social Work Internships

Explore our comprehensive guide to the best social work internships for college students.

Internships for social work majors

As a major with so many career path options, choosing to study social work gives you many types of internships to consider. While both psychology majors and sociology majors are both related, what they have in common is interest in understanding and helping others. There will always be openings for social work internships for undergraduates, as the field is always looking for capable social work focused college students to help and hire.

In your social work internships you’ll gain skills in communication, de-escalation, teamwork, organization, accountability, and problem-solving among many others. Internship opportunities for social work students can foster a great exploration of the field, since there are so many paths in social work to consider and understand.

How do I get a social work internship?

Getting an internship in social work is very exciting considering the sheer amount of opportunities in different health and science departments. During undergraduate social work internships in summer 2021 will provide you with many valuable experiences, giving a real taste of what it’ll be like to work in social work down the line. You’ll connect with potential mentors , learn social work trade secrets, and build relationships with coworkers with a range of expertise. It’s also a plus if it’s a paid social work summer 2021 internship!

The best social work internship programs strengthen resumes, provide valuable avenues to letters of recommendation , and can even turn into full-time jobs . If you consider all of these perks of a social work internship and add the benefit of exploring different facets of one field, then start your social work internship search now!

Tips for your resume and profiles

Before you get started on sending out applications, make sure that you have your resume up to date and have fully filled out all your Handshake profile details. With a complete profile, an impressive social work internship is more attainable than ever. Recruiters are much more likely to message a student with a complete profile that says you want to work in social work than an unfinished one.

Tips for your internship interview

When you do land your first interview, be it a virtual interview or in person, make sure to come prepared and dressed to impress. Review your resume and cover letter to make sure you have specific examples of your experience to share, from clubs or coursework. You can even schedule a mock interview with your university’s career center or, if you’re tight on time, ask a trusted friend to grill you on some common interview questions .

Tips for networking at your social work internship

Once you’ve landed an internship in social work and settled into the flow of day-to-day life at the office, start chatting with your coworkers. Whether they’re industry professionals or fellow interns, it’s important to treat them with equal respect. You never know what insights they could lend, or who could be a valuable connection down the line, five or ten years from now. Don’t be afraid to ask your new colleagues out for quick coffee chats, or request 15-minute informational interviews about their career trajectory.

Want more tips for getting the most out of your internship?

Looking for specific advice before your internship begins? Or are you hungry for further information even after your internship is over? A good way to delve even deeper into your career path growth is to attend a virtual event or two. Not only will you be learning more about your own career, but there will also be chances to network with employers, industry specialists, and other students sharing different perspectives.

Jobs you can get as a social work major

Wondering where the “human services internships near me” are? Internships for social work majors can fall under any of the following roles we’ve listed here for you! Internships are meant to guide you towards your true desired career path and your summer 2021 social work internship could kick it off in the right direction.

For internships, it doesn’t matter if you’re on the hunt for clinical social work internships, social work internships, paid social work internships, social work internships in NJ, or social work internships in NYC. The following job roles and suggestions on where to apply for social work internships can guide you in the right direction for whatever you’re looking for.

Social Worker

Social workers help and advise people in many different situations and fields with their lives.

Companies you can apply to: NYC Health, Youth Villages, Parsons

Average pay: $50,470

School Psychologist

School psychologists offer mental health and therapy services to students facing emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges. As they work at a school, they help students with any issues they may be encountering both in their academic and personal lives by offering support and advice backed by their background in counseling social work. Child social work internships are a great way to start on this path.

Companies you can apply to: Youth Villages, Autism Society of North Carolina

Average pay: $45,000

Clinical Psychologist

Clinical and counseling psychologists provide therapy to patients looking to improve an aspect of their lives. They utilize different cognitive and behavioral techniques to help clients work through any issues they may be going through.

Companies you can apply to: Kennedy Krieger Institute, KGS Technology Group

Average pay: $87,450

Human Resource Manager

Human resources managers recruit, interview, and hire employees for an organization. They are responsible for training new employees, evaluating current employees, and ensuring a cooperative, comfortable workplace environment.

Companies you can apply to: Target, Amazon, Ignite Mental Health

Average pay: $43,000

Tips and tricks for your social work internship

Want tips for getting and acing your social work internship? Look no further.

How do you get a social work internship in college?

When searching for social work student internships, it’s key to use the location filters provided on Handshake . You’ll be able to pinpoint social work internships exactly where you want to intern just by selecting the city you want in the search bar. Easy social work internships in your preferred city are just a search away.

You can even research possible job roles that you might want to explore during your social work internship. Handshake also makes it easy to learn about roles in social work simply by using the job role search bar .

And if you want to take your research one step further, you can even research top employers in the social work field on Handshake. Just by using the Handshake employer search feature you can discover companies that are hiring in your specific field by filtering by “Industry.”

Where can I intern for social work?

Some companies that would be great for social work majors looking for internships: Ignite Mental Health, Youth Villages, or NYC Health–great for social work internships in NYC.

social work internships for college students can be found all over! Even companies that don’t seem to have a main focus in social work are looking for bright interns to help them develop a voice.

Are social worker internships paid?

Yes, you can find paid social work internships on Handshake by using the search filters!

The average annual pay for full time social work jobs range from $43,000 to $87,450.

How much does a social work intern make?

The average annual pay for full time jobs in social work range from $43,000 to $87,450.

Are internships necessary for social work majors?

While it's not required, internships are great opportunities for growth and experience. From internships for social work interns to great forensic social work internships, you’ll be able to build both hard and soft skills and even network.

What do social work interns do?

Along with networking and gaining mentorship, social work intern duties include spending time working on skills great for later in their career journeys. Social work interns will learn how to communicate advice to others, communicate their plans effectively, research and collaborate with colleagues in a positive way.

Some companies that would be great for social work majors (or psychology and sociology majors) looking for internships: Ignite Mental Health, Youth Villages, or NYC Health.

What can you learn from an internship in social work?

During your social work internship, you’ll learn some great generic skills like time management, accountability, organization, and teamwork. Additionally, you’ll be immersed in the world of social work which will help you develop your knowledge of quantitative aptitude, how to manage social work projects effectively, and about your company’s supply chain.

What should social work interns put on their resume?

When putting together your resume, make sure to have all your skills, courses, and accomplishments laid out for employers to view. Also having your preferred job role and location on your Handshake profile is a great way to signal your interest to potential recruiters. If a cover letter is required, a previous social work internship experience essay would be beneficial.

For social work interns, some great skills to list would be specific technical skills, time management, ability to follow through and execute, and ability to both lead and listen. It’s also key to mention organizations or projects that you led and can explain thoroughly.

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An interest in the social work profession is more than likely to be interpreted as an interest in a helping profession. When people go into social work, often it is because they have some sort of innate desire to assist other humans on their journey through this thing called life. While I cannot speak for everyone, it is most certainly why I chose this field. Currently, I am an undergrad student pursuing a Bachelors of Social Work (BSW) while simultaneously gaining further experience in the “field” of social work through an internship. At its core, the “field” of social work for a student, is a paideia intended to acclimate the student to the actuality of what it is like to perform human services while also probing a student’s mind in a way that both enhances, prepares, and propels students in their future social work related endeavors under a generalist social work practice model. In order to assist students in these newfound experiences, a thorough understanding of a generalist practice is needed, albeit defining what a generalist practice is is difficult due to the nature of the work. To that effect, a theoretical approach is an assumed premise by which many social workers and social work educators endeavor to promote social change. (Ashton & Hull, 2015)

As it stands, I am an intern for a grant-funded program called GCSTOP (Guilford County’s Solution to the Opioid Problem). GCSTOP seeks to reduce the stigma and harm those in active drug addiction might endure by providing resources, in an attempt to decrease opioid related deaths in Guilford County. Beyond the sphere of academia, I have acquired knowledge in the field from my previous experiences working in different diverse communities, recovery houses, and with individuals with intellectual and developmental differences (IDD/DD) or physical and developmental disabilities.

With the understanding that one of the basic functions of social work practice is to consider the relationship of the person and their environment, the culmination of my involvements has indeed informed and shaped my views and perspectives a social worker. It is no surprise that generalist practice skills are integrally linked and build upon each other with respect to and incorporation of core values and practice informed work.

Theoretical Frameworks/Practice Models

As aforementioned, a theoretical approach is assumed in generalist practice when working with all types of entities such as: individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social Systems Theory, stems from the desire to explain the interrelated factors of the moving parts in a system that create, maintain, and or impact its whole. (Ashton & Hull, 2015) Systems theory is perceived as an open theory that treats people not as isolated individuals but as parts of a broader network such as populations, society’s, institutions, communities, or otherwise “system”. Within this context, a possible limitation to the theory itself might be that it has a tendency to overemphasize the “bigger picture” and underemphasize specific details. Theorists trust that social systems are open systems that provide multiple targets of intervention when attempting to facilitate changes within a system. In that, the belief is that if the system is open, the system is receptive to and influenced by outside stimulus. Consideration of external factors can help to support change within those systems. Systems may be informal, like family or friends, formal, such as clubs and support groups, or public, which might include structures like schools and hospitals. While systems are complex and can exaggerate the bigger picture one cannot understand the individual without looking at the bigger picture. Difficulties may arise if there is an imbalance between the person and the systems they operate within. Systems, then, can be employed to support the service user to achieve change. (Teeter & Kondrat 2010) Systems of social change theories interest me because systems are inextricably linked to the overarching idea of supporting the person-in-environment and is demonstrative of how large structural forces can be barriers as well as social supports when seeking change.

GCSTOP, where I am currently placed for field, functions as a system within other larger systems. To that effect, there is a tendency for networks to overlap. For example, GCSTOP’s mission both corresponds with and supports a population of people; those who suffer from opioid related addiction and substance abuse disorder. Because GCSTOP, provides service to participants primarily in Guilford County, GCSTOP impacts a certain demographic of people who are a part of a larger community. The health care services provided to individuals in this program could be indicative of an even larger international public health crisis.

Psychosocial Development Theory is a theory created by Erik Erikson that is a derivative of Freud’s earlier, and apparently, more “controversial,” psychosexual theory. Erikson’s theory highlights 8 specific stages of the human development cycle. Each stage explores a corresponding conflicting idea that can help to interpret human internal conflict caused by the interaction of compounding internal and external one factors. For example, in the infantile stage (birth until around one to two years of age), humans naturally seek to trust the interaction that they have with their caregivers but often struggle to do so. (Trust vs. Mistrust) According to Erikson, this stage quite literally gives birth to a hopeful mindset. During the early childhood years (at around two or three years of age) humans develop a sense of self and autonomy. American culture recognizes this stage as particularly difficult, and terms like “Terrible twos” are widely used to speak to its effect. Psychosocial theory maintains that human development occurs in qualitatively different stages that are sequential and may be universal.

Psychosocial analysis is helpful for understanding individual growth across the life cycle because it is a general assessment of developmental functioning that can be compared with chronological age of the client. This type of theory can be helpful when seeking to understand clients of certain demographics. Because GCSTOP is grant funded, it is also incredibly data driven. In order to prove there is a reduction in any harm, or to demonstrate different elements of change, social scientist rely on evidence. In fact, it is one of the challenges I occasionally face while at GCSTOP. I’ve come to understand that I would much prefer to go out on RRT visits or work with syringe exchange initiatives doing outreach in communities to provide resources than to sit in the office and record the data of the population receiving the services. (L. David, 2014)

I naturally align with the idea that human internal and external conflicts play a significant role in human maturation. The questions that linger in my mind are: What do humans collectively value in general, how do they identify, what do they believe, what are their routines? Are we willing to face ourselves when we don’t mirror the images we project? How do we approach self-care? How does experience inform our future self? Can we look at inadequacies as areas of growth and not try to run the other way when we have disturbing feelings arise?

Feminist theory seeks to explain the differences between men and women, particularly as they progress throughout the lifespan. Feminist practice seeks to implement approaches that are tailored to address these differences. The majority of social workers are women and are often are the ones who receive support or are otherwise the ones who are most intricately connected to the support of social services. (Teeter & Kondrat, 2014) With feminism there are certain tenets that align with NASW code of ethics such as respecting the human dignity and worth of a person, integrity, competence and social justice at the mezzo level but in the next section I would like to explicate how those things affect me personally.

I am a young, black, gender-maneuvering, artist and activist who believes in the power of art and culture to empower through radical community based knowledge sharing. Art is who and what I am. It is how I navigate the realm of social justice and movement work. I am passionate about people and creative expression for social change. Art is the vehicle that keeps the movement moving. Yet and still, there is a lot of erasure when it comes to artist of color in regards to activism and identity. My job, often times looks like highlighting people of color in the city/community. Replacing missing narratives in this history of the city, as a multicultural, working-class, hustling community. My goal as an artist is not simply to profit from my own creations, but to make space for marginalized voices. Activism looks different for everybody. Queers of color and other intersectional approaches are often missing from dominant accounts of the city yet they are essential in understanding who pays for and who benefits from urban development. Which is to say another large role of my artistry is to enlighten community about issues of equity and anti-oppression through artivism. We have to take institutional power and bring it back to the community by re-resourcing or allocating funds without tokenizing the people and getting them paid. Throughout history people have tried to divide arts from politics but often times you have to win the arts of the mind of the people to get them to move, and you do that with art. My organizing experience is mostly that of a lived experience as a “disabled” Black Queer Feminist Artist. Through this lens I approach/see everything. I have for many years, worked toward disability and mental health awareness as a student and person who has endured the ramifications of human struggle. It caused me to find alternative methods to navigate systems of oppression. Through art, I began to really understand the value of community. Having it allows me to define who my community is what the needs of that community are. I have learned how to be absolutely intentional around prioritizing space for people who cannot for instance call the police. It is an artform to create a culture of community. I have dedicated my life to finding a way to create funds to create lasting space for marginalized artist.

Professional Use of Self

According to an article produced by The New Social Worker, a professional use of self in social work practice is the “combining of knowledge, values, and skills gained in social work education with aspects of one’s personal self, including personality traits, belief systems, life experiences, and cultural heritage.” (Walters, 2014)

The knowledge that I have gained from social work has aided immensely in my practice in ways known and unknown. I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to become and to continue learning. Daily, I am becoming more of my best self and more aware of the ways in which who I am as a person, impacts myself and others. CBT causes me to look at myself critically and do things like rearrange negative self-talk into more empowering, enabling statements This acute consciousness is focused around my personality, patterns and behaviors in relationships, belief systems, personal association with anxiety and use of self-disclosure.

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The Definitive Guide to Social Work Internships

Learning about social work practice in the classroom – either in-person or online – is a necessary measure in joining the field. At the same time, classroom instruction can only prepare you so much. To give students a more realistic view of how social workers actually practice, programs across the board offer – and sometimes require – an internship component to their field of study.

Internships can come at various stages of your academic and professional journey, and it’s important to know that they aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some are paid, offering a stipend, while others are unpaid. They can be a part of your bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work, and they can often function as part of a field work component that can be applied to the licensure process down the road. And in the same way that social work operates as a discipline, different social work concentrations or specializations will have different internship opportunities.

In this comprehensive guide, SocialWorkDegrees.org delves into the world of social work internships, covering everything you need to know to dive into this immersive, hands-on experience.

Social Work Internships: A Comprehensive Overview

Social work internships are diverse in nature, but one thing holds true for all prospective students: field experience is a mandatory requirement for a social work career. These field components and/or internships, whether at the bachelor’s or master’s level, involve applying the skills learned in the classroom to real-world situations, equipping you with invaluable hands-on experience.

Accreditation Matters : For any social work program, accreditation by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) is paramount. Without CSWE accreditation, you won’t be eligible for licensure, making it essential to choose accredited institutions for your social work education.

• Bachelor’s Level : BSW programs typically include a 400-hour field internship during the junior and/or senior years.
• Master’s Level : MSW students will usually have to complete an additional 500-hour field internship, especially in longer master’s programs.

In all cases, these social work internships must be supervised by a professional with at least two years of post-graduate experience, or a professional of equivalent stature, such as a clinical psychologist. Moreover, master’s internships often offer opportunities for specialization in specific fields of social work, which can significantly influence your future job prospects.

Paid or Unpaid Internships?

Social work internships with stipends are certainly preferable, especially when compared to unpaid alternatives. However, whether your internship will be paid depends on various factors, including your school, your individual circumstances, the specific social work program, and the organization you’ll be working with.

Proactive Approach: If your school offers paid internships, it’s your responsibility to seek out this information. Being proactive is crucial, as stipends are typically awarded to self-driven and initiative-taking interns, barring any extraordinary luck.

There are some specific paid internship opportunities to look out for. For instance, travel stipends might be available for students who need to travel long distances for their field internship requirements. Some agencies that accept master’s students for fieldwork also offer stipends.

Additionally, students can sometimes use their full-time employment to fulfill field internship requirements, provided they can make a compelling case to their social work department that their job is related enough to social work to justify it.

Exploring Social Work Internship Opportunities

As you embark on your journey towards a career in social work, it’s essential to understand the diverse range of internship opportunities available. Social work internships encompass various fields and specialties, allowing you to tailor your experience to your interests and career goals.

Here are some examples of social work internship positions to give you a glimpse of the possibilities:

1. Clinical Social Work Internship

Setting : Mental Health Facilities, Hospitals, Private Practices

Description : Clinical social work internships provide hands-on experience in providing therapy and counseling services to individuals, families, and groups. You’ll work under the supervision of licensed clinical social workers , gaining valuable insights into diagnosing and treating mental health issues.

2. Child Welfare Social Work Internship

Setting : Child Protective Services, Foster Care Agencies

Description : If you’re passionate about advocating for children’s well-being, a child welfare internship might be ideal. You’ll work alongside caseworkers to assess child safety, support families in crisis, and contribute to the welfare of vulnerable children.

3. Medical Social Work Internship

Setting : Hospitals, Hospices, Rehabilitation Centers

Description : Medical social work interns play a crucial role in assisting patients and families facing health-related challenges. In this role, you’ll help patients navigate complex healthcare systems, address emotional and social concerns, and connect them with necessary resources.

4. School Social Work Internship

Setting : Public and Private Schools, School Districts

Description : School social work interns collaborate with educators, parents, and students to address various academic, behavioral, and social issues. Your role may involve counseling students, conducting assessments, and advocating for inclusive and supportive learning environments.

5. Geriatric Social Work Internship

Setting : Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Senior Centers

Description : Geriatric social work internships focus on the unique needs of elderly individuals. You’ll work on issues such as long-term care planning, end-of-life decisions, and providing emotional support to seniors and their families.

6. Community Outreach and Advocacy Internship

Setting : Nonprofit Organizations, Community Centers

Description : Internships in community development involve working with nonprofit organizations to address social justice issues, poverty, homelessness, and other community challenges. You’ll engage in grassroots efforts to create positive change at structural, community, and individual levels.

7. Substance Abuse and Addiction Social Work Internship

Setting : Rehabilitation Facilities, Addiction Treatment Centers

Description : These internships focus on helping individuals recover from substance abuse and addiction . You’ll assist in individual and group therapy sessions, participate in treatment planning, and support clients on their path to recovery.

8. Crisis Intervention and Hotline Internship

Setting : Crisis Hotlines, Domestic Violence Shelters

Description : Crisis intervention internships are emotionally challenging but highly rewarding. You’ll provide immediate support to individuals in crisis, including survivors of domestic violence, suicidal individuals, or those dealing with trauma.

9. Policy and Advocacy Internship

Setting : Government Offices, Advocacy Organizations

Description : If you’re interested in shaping social policies and advocating for systemic change, policy and advocacy internships are a great choice. You’ll research policy issues, participate in legislative processes, and work to advance social justice causes.

These examples highlight the diversity of social work internships available to aspiring social workers. Your choice of internship should align with your interests, values, and career goals. Whether you’re drawn to clinical settings, community outreach, or policy reform, there’s a social work internship that can provide you with the skills and experience needed for a successful career in this fulfilling field.

Finding the Right Internship: School Assistance vs. Self-Search

The process of field placement selection for internships can vary from one institution to another. However, some commonalities exist that prospective social work interns should be aware of. Understanding these similarities can increase your chances of finding a paid internship.

At some schools, especially in online social work programs, students are required to seek out agencies themselves to secure internships. This presents a golden opportunity to search for agencies willing to pay for your services.

Most schools will provide students with a list of internship options to choose from. If you’re hoping for a stipend during your social work internship, scrutinizing this list is critical. Keep in mind that if you’re not a student enrolled in a social work program, you may face greater challenges in securing an internship. Schools typically prioritize their own students for admission into internship programs.

Next Steps on the Path to Becoming a Social Worker

Internships are an indispensable part of a social work career. They allow you to apply the knowledge gained in social work school to benefit others and gain firsthand experience in diverse settings. The ability to positively impact others early in your career is one of the defining aspects of social work. Even during your learning process, social work students are given ample opportunities to make meaningful contributions.

Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of social work internships, it’s time to explore the intricacies of social work careers. Check out our social work career guide to begin charting your path to practicing as a social worker.

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Learning Goals For A Social Work Internship

Earning your degree in social work is a process that takes valuable time. In those years you gain experience and become comfortable in your field, allowing you to be the best version of yourself. Completing a social work internship is important for getting your bachelor’s degree in social work. Before your internship, it’s important to think about the goals for field placement and how they will help propel your future career.

What is Field Placement in Social Work?

Social work field placement refers to working in the field under a supervised capacity, designed to enhance your professional skills. Examples of field placement include traineeships or internships. During this time you can work in various settings, preferably one you have previous experience in or are planning to work in. This can include working in a school, college, social service agency, or career center.

10 Social Work Internship Goals

These ten objectives are good for both students and supervisors alike to follow. These goals for your social work field placement should be followed thoroughly to get the most out of the internship experience.

1. Professional Conduct

This is a major goal for a social work intern’s field placement. As a social worker or intern, one needs to participate in an agency’s orientation and take thorough notes, ensuring to follow the agency’s policies to the best of their ability. Social work goals start with the social worker, and their ability to be professional and courteous while on the job.

2. Ethical Principles

Another goal for an intern’s social work field placement is to ensure the ethics you have been taught in the classroom are applied in real-life situations. This involves discussing the NASW Code of Ethics, bringing ethical concerns to a supervisor during meetings, exploring personal biases in journal reflections, and more.

3. Professional Judgment 

Critical thinking needs to be implemented with the agency’s planned change process. This involves collecting relevant information during intakes and making sure the intern utilizes this information to implement personal goals for field placement. This includes applying theories you have learned in the classroom during your casework and demonstrating to your supervisor that you possess a wide range of knowledge and know how to utilize this knowledge for casework.

4. Engage Diversity

Every social worker must have experience working with people from backgrounds that are different from their own. A primary social work internship goal is to develop engagement skills needed when working with a diverse population. As a trainer or trainee, this exposure is necessary for fully discussing the effects of individual and institutional oppression.

5. Advance Human Rights 

Along those lines of engagement with a diverse background, the social work intern is expected to help advance human rights by learning about social issues and policies relevant to the agency they have been assigned to. Social work field placement must prioritize the communication between the intern and their supervisor so they can learn how social policies can affect the client and their community. An important part of getting your bachelor’s degree in social work is exploring and identifying ways of empowering the client’s community.

6. Engage in Research-Informed Practice

Social work interns should complete a short literature review of the agency services, in which, the intern will present their findings to their supervisor or staff. This review will demonstrate what they have learned and gained from their experience at the agency. Before this review is conducted, the intern should talk to their supervisor about how services are evaluated at the agency. These social work internship goals should center around client service-related best practices. This can be done by assessing program services and interventions through surveys, organized data, reports, and more.

7. Apply Knowledge of Human Behavior 

A social work intern should demonstrate to their supervisor that they can apply the theories they have acquired from school and apply these frameworks in the field effectively and professionally. During supervisor meetings where the goals of the field placement are discussed, the intern or supervisor should take time out of the meeting to talk about human development stages that are relevant to the casework being conducted. The intern is expected to bring the Human Development textbook to the agency for these meetings to be used as a reference and to demonstrate their competence.

8. Engage in Policy Practice 

Another goal for social work internships is to successfully work within the agency’s policies to help clients and their communities. An intern should be involved while working for the agency, participating in staff meetings, actively taking notes, and following up with their supervisor after. It’s also important that the intern and supervisor discuss possible alternatives to the existing policies, along with how these policies (both the existing and hypothetical ones) will affect clients, their families, and their communities.

9. Responses That Shape Practice

An intern should discuss the possible contextual influences on a case with their supervisor. This can be done in numerous ways: the intern can apply the Ecological approach to the case by developing an EcoMap or a genogram of a case. These maps should be discussed in meetings between the intern and their supervisor, covering topics such as political change, funding changes, and more. Talking about how these services can change due to events outside the control of the agency will help prepare the intern for the unpredictable.

10. Properly Engage 

Finally, an intern needs to work with clients face-to-face before they can receive their bachelor’s degree. During this time, the intern will practice engagement techniques with clients. Using the models taught to them by the agency, the intern will approach their work professionally and effectively. They will complete home visits with another agency staff member present, identify and provide relevant resources, and communicate agency expectations with the clients.

Preparing Students for the Future of Social Work

Our program emphasizes integrating theory with practical experience. Through a mentorship-driven social work field placement, we guide our students in developing a strong professional identity to prepare them for the multifaceted roles they will pursue post-graduation. By recognizing the benefits that diversity brings to learning and practice, we encourage exposure to various cultural and interdisciplinary perspectives. This ensures our students are not just ready to meet the current demands of the field but are also equipped to innovate and lead in the social work field.

Are You Ready For A Degree in Social Work ? 

Empowering a community, client, or family is a real chance to make a difference. Do these goals for social work internships inspire you? If so, apply to St. Augustine College to earn your Bachelor of Social Work . SAC’s Social Work program opens doors, creating a range of opportunities for our graduates. Contact us to learn more about starting your path toward a career in social work that can make the world a better place.

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Social Work Internships and Practicums

Students pursuing social work degrees often complete social work internships or practicums. A social work internship is a professional program offered by organizations to students who are almost finished completing an educational program or to degree holders seeking experience. Typically, candidates are completing their undergraduate or graduate degree. Social work internships for undergraduates focus on relevant, entry-level experiences that mirror job duties, while internships for graduate students prepares them for more advanced job roles. Internships can be paid or unpaid and provide networking opportunities that may lead to a permanent position.

Social work internships for undergraduates focus on relevant, entry-level experiences that mirror job duties

Students should know the speciality field they plan to enter before considering an internship to ensure relevant placement. Students should research nonprofits, public welfare courts, or geriatric systems when considering how to find social work internships.

Social work students must often complete a practicum. This is a type of professional work experience that allows students to study, observe, and document the performance of other professionals in the field. Student participation is limited and supervised. Practicum experiences are paired with a course containing milestone assignments to analyze the experience. Students must satisfy a certain amount of hours, and a professor typically chooses placement.

What to Expect from Your Social Work Internship or Practicum

What will i do for my social work internship or practicum.

Social work internships vary depending on a student’s level of education and specialty. Interns perform duties such as preparing agendas and discussing details with directors or field instructors. Other intern duties include case management, evaluation of client needs, and treatment options. Interns may also propose solutions to current challenges. While interns gain practical experience and complete independent tasks at times, they work under the guidance of licensed social workers.

In Which Type of Setting Will I Work?

Students should only consider internships relevant to their career goals as specialty experience hours are necessary for licensure. Social work experience settings include hospitals, social service organizations, schools, government agencies, businesses, correctional facilities, courts, and retirement homes. Distance learners can also complete internships and a practicum. Counselors work with agencies across the nation and email students about nearby internship opportunities.

How Long Will My Internship or Practicum Last?

Internships and practicum experiences vary in length of time. Practicum experiences are typically a semester long due to the course it is linked with. The course syllabus details mandatory hours and requirements. Practicum courses rarely meet to provide students with time to visit their practicum site. Internships vary in length. Some organizations list internship requirements, while others negotiate program hours and length. Internships are more like part-time jobs where students have set schedules.

Will I Get Paid for My Social Work Internship or Practicum?

Interns assume more independent responsibilities and complete tasks that benefit the organization. Therefore, many of them receive some sort of payment. Social work practicums are attached to programs and are typically unpaid.

Will I Get Academic Credit for My Internship or Practicum?

Because a social work practicum is part of a class, students receive academic credit. In some cases, the actual class is worth a certain amount of credit hours and the practicum itself is listed separately with its own credit hours. Class coursework attached to the practicum analyzes what students are learning and tends to build up to a larger project or essay. Internships are often required to graduate.

How Will My Social Work Internship or Practicum Help Me?

In a social work practicum experience, professionals understand that students are there to observe and, in relevant instances, apply their knowledge in a professional setting. Students learn how to identify proper conduct of a social work professional in real-world settings, while implementing the same behavior. Students also learn to identify ethical dilemmas based on their foundational knowledge, understand ethical conflict, and identify assessment processes. Social work practicum students apply critical thinking to support and communicate professional-level judgment.

In social work internships, interns concentrate on autonomy and fulfilling tasks independently. This can be accomplished by demonstrating depth and understanding of theoretical frameworks that determine intervention strategies. Interns also practice leadership skills by advocating for clients in ethically and socially just ways.

While practicum experiences can be listed for professionals with no other experience, internships are often acknowledged on resumes as relevant experience.

How to Find Social Work Internships

Many students wonder how to find social work internships. Universities can help direct students to common, local resources.

Your School’s Career Center

Career centers help students find placement in professional settings. Counselors identify student career goals to identify the most suitable organizations.

Professional organizations seeking emerging talent attend these events at universities to meet students who are graduating soon.

Recruiting Events

Hosted by professional organizations, these events cater to specific professional target audiences. This is a marketing technique used when standard talent pools are not bountiful.

Alumni Network

These networks often show members how to apply to internships and provide a list that is affiliated with the organization.

Job Boards and Internship Databases

Organizations seeking talent establish relationships with job boards and intern databases to draw talent that has already been screened.

Social Work Internship Opportunities

Internships.com.

This general internship site boasts a social work-specific page where students can find social work internships across the U.S.

Professional organizations use this search engine to post jobs and internships. Interns have access to local and global internships.

GoAbroad.com

This website lists internship opportunities outside of the U.S. and boasts a page dedicated to social work experiences.

While many use this site as a living resume, organizations heavily rely upon LinkedIn. Students can find social work internships across the nation listed on this site.

National Association of Social Workers

NASW is one of the most relied upon resources for social workers, providing students with a list of reputable internship opportunities.

Center For Child Protection

For interns interested in working with younger populations, this organization specializes in children and adolescent social work.

• The New Social Worker Since 1944, this magazine has been dedicated to publishing practical and current social work information.

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Get the student perspective on life at York

• My experience as a Social Work student

19 January 2022 by Charlotte

I have always been the type of person to care about those around me and always wanted a career where I could help people to improve themselves and/or the situation they are in. I felt social work was the perfect career path for me as the whole nature of the job is to support and empower people within society.

What kind of impact do you want to make on people’s lives?

I hope to make a positive, hopefully, life-changing impact on people’s lives. I would like to think that the social worker I become is able to better people’s lives and empower them for the future.

What advice would you give to any A-level or BTEC students about their studies?

When it came to uni, I found it helpful to have an understanding of social work and be able to apply elements of it to my personal life. My advice would be if you can get any work experience or volunteering in then definitely do that – you can reflect on it in your university interviews!

What advice would you give to these students about: a) getting relevant work experience; and b) about developing the right skills and knowledge for social work?

In my opinion, any work experience working with people is beneficial as you come across things that relate to social work every day! But make sure you get work experience in something that interests you. I had mine in a primary school! 

Before I started the degree, I did some wider reading and understanding of what social work involves, as well as understanding the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) model and other important frameworks. Many unis put reading lists available online for you to find before starting your degree.

What have I enjoyed the most about the course so far?

In my opinion, the people on my course are what I have enjoyed the most, getting to know each other and our personal life experiences. As well as making new friends and getting to know the supervisors and lecturers. 

Has anything surprised you?

I found the assignment rather enjoyable, which was a shock to me as I hated writing in A level studies. I liked how you are able to apply your learning actively when writing the assignment. As well as researching your answer and learning new things within them.

Has your understanding of social work changed since you started the course and if so, how?

I would say my understanding of social work has changed since the course has begun. Now, I have a wider understanding of the history of social work and how it has changed over the past century within the UK and will continue to change. I would also say my understanding of how social policy impacts social work has changed – I never realised how much social work is dependent on policies.

Read more student stories about studying Social Work at York

About Charlotte

Hi, I'm Charlotte, a 2nd Year Social Work student here at York.

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These blogs represent students’ views and reflections, at the time of publish. For course details and the official information please always refer to the University of York website .

To get in contact with us about anything on this blog you can email us .

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Internships and Practicums

All accredited social work programs require field placement, although the specific types of placement and hours required vary by program and degree level. Field experience enables social work students to practice skills learned in their coursework and observe professionals at work. Social work field placements give students a leg up in their profession, providing them with practical work experience and practice dealing with challenges and issues they are likely to face on the job. Social work interns also give back to their communities while they hone their skills.

Social work field placement may be either a practicum or an internship. During a social work practicum, the student follows and observes a social worker on a limited basis, usually once a week. The student may take on some responsibilities under the close supervision of a trained social worker. A practicum is generally part of a course that requires reporting and reflecting on experiences in the field to combine theory and practice. Students typically begin social work internships after completing all, or a significant amount of, their coursework. Internships can be completed on a part-time or full-time format. Interns take on more responsibilities independently as they put their classroom learning into practice.

Typically, program staff help students find field placements that match their area of interest or specialization within social work so that they are better prepared to find their desired job after graduation. According to a NACE Journal report in 2017, recent studies show that students graduating with internship experience are more likely than those without it to find employment.

What to Expect From Your Social Work Internship or Practicum

What will i get to do for my social work internship or practicum.

Social work interns work under close supervision of on-site professionals in the agencies where they are placed. Interns also receive ongoing guidance and support from off-site educators who supervise their field placements. During a social work practicum or internship, students observe and assist professional social workers. They learn to apply their academic training to the real world as they observe trained professionals and practice skills.

Interns have little discretion, but they do act independently for some tasks. They may assess client needs and help them obtain needed resources. In a school setting, for example, an intern might work with a group of students on identified skills or help the school social worker find resources for families. A clinical social work intern may provide counseling to clients, collect medical histories, and help maintain client records.

In What Type of Setting Will I Work?

Social work students gain field experience in many settings, such as schools, hospitals, community service agencies, correctional facilities, and therapy practices in their local community. Colleges place students in social work internships that match their professional goals. A student wishing to specialize in substance abuse counseling might complete a social work practicum or internship in a social service agency, hospital, or therapy practice that offers drug and alcohol counseling to clients.

How Long Will My Internship or Practicum Last?

Social work field placements generally last one semester or one year. A practicum requires less time per week than an internship. Students completing a practicum typically work for a few hours once a week, while interns usually work full-time or part-time. Simmons College School of Social Work requires bachelor’s-level students to complete a 100-hour practicum during the spring semester of their junior year and a 425-hour, year-long practicum during the senior year. Master’s-level students must complete internships three days per week during both years of the program. Because required hours vary by program and degree level, it is important to research the specific field experience requirements of programs that interest you.

Will I Get Paid for My Social Work Internship or Practicum?

Because a social work practicum is part of an academic course and supervised by a professor, placement agencies do not pay students for their work. Some internships are paid. Whether social work programs allow paid social work internships varies by school, so it is essential to research policies at schools that interest you.

Will I Get Academic Credit for My Internship or Practicum?

Students who complete field placements as part of the curriculum for their social work program receive academic credit for their practicum or internship. A social work practicum is an integral part of an academic course, and professors build these classes based on student experiences in the field. Students are expected to turn in assignments and meet benchmarks related to their field placement and share their experiences. Internships operate in much the same way although the requirements may be more rigorous. A social work internship may require research on the field placement agency, submitting treatment plans or client case studies, and completing other detailed reports.

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How will my social work internship or practicum help me.

Social work field experience enable students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real people and communities. A social work practicum or internship allows the student to see how practicing professionals handle the situations they read about in class and then practice using these skills. Because social work involves interpersonal skills, practice is essential. During an internship, students become more aware of the challenges faced by those they plan to serve. They also become more skilled at designing interventions to help clients and more adept at implementing treatment plans.

The goal of any field placement is to help the social work student become more confident, competent, ethical, and professional. Field placements serve as the bridge between the classroom and the workforce. Students come to understand what it means to work as a professional social worker, so field experience is an important first step to becoming a licensed, employed social worker.

How to Find Social Work Internships

There are many ways for social work students to find internships in their area. Start with your program’s website or field placement office and continue your search with services such as those listed below.

• Your School’s Career Center: Check out your school’s career center website and job boards for internship opportunities in your area. Ask a career counselor to match you with the right internship.
• Job Fairs: Employers seeking interns often attend local job fairs and offer interviews and information. Bring your resume and seek out agencies and field placement opportunities that match your career goals.
• Recruiting Events: Local employers such as government agencies and hospitals may hold recruiting events near you. These events are opportunities to speak with potential employers about internship opportunities.
• Alumni Network: Your school’s alumni network is a great place to look for internships. Check with your school’s career center or alumni office for ways to access this network and search for internships.
• Job Boards and Internship Databases: Often, employers seek interns by posting opportunities to an online job board or database. Check your school’s website or career center, or see below for suggestions.

Social Work Internship Opportunities

• Internships.com : Students enter their desired internship location, and a list of internships appears. Students can refine their search by distance, employer type, and compensation.
• Linkedin.com : This social networking site provides job descriptions for the prospective social work intern. However, the advanced search features are only available for LinkedIn members.
• Indeed.com : This is one of the largest job sites in the world. The seeker needs only a job description and location to search for unpaid and paid social work internships.
• SimplyHired.com : This website uses a two-column approach. On the left are all the internships that fulfill your search criteria. Selecting an internship displays a detailed job description on the right.
• WorldInternships.org : This website allows students to set up internships all over the world. Locations include China, India, Nepal, and Vietnam. There is a cost to create such an internship.
• Projects-Abroad.org : Projects Abroad is a leading international volunteer organization with projects in more than 50 countries. There is a cost associated with these internships.

8 Tips for New Social Work Interns : This article is written for the undergraduate in social work by a field placement coordinator. It provides insights into the types of emotions and experiences a student might have during their internship.

Advice for MSW Students Completing Field Education : This resource provides information to students working toward their master’s in social work (MSW), including advice from four social work professionals and several external links for further reading.

Field Placement: What Students Need From Their Field Supervisors: A Student’s Perspective : This article is written from the perspective of the MSW student, focusing on what was missing and needed during their internship.

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