Social Work Intern

Job Description

About the Company

The organization offering this internship appears to be a Human Services department (or similar agency) that operates or supports a Senior Nutrition program. While no specific company name is provided, the context suggests a public or non-profit entity focused on community welfare, particularly for the elderly. Its mission includes providing essential services like nutrition assistance and comprehensive social work support to help senior citizens maintain their independence and well-being within their homes. The work is deeply involved with social services, addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, and coordinating with various community resources.

Job Description, Detailed

This is an unpaid internship for a Social Work Intern position, offering an advanced professional level casework experience within a human services setting.

1. Primary Purpose and Nature of the Role:
The core function of this internship is to perform casework related to the Senior Nutrition program. This involves assessing individuals’ eligibility for the program and providing comprehensive social work support to ensure their independence, health, and safety. The role operates under general supervision and requires the ability to analyze situations and act decisively, often under stressful conditions. While it is an internship, the responsibilities are significant and professional, potentially combining investigative and treatment functions depending on organizational structure.

2. Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

• Client Assessment & Eligibility:
• Conduct in-home and telephone assessments to determine eligibility for the Senior Nutrition Program, adhering to state and program policies.
• Identify client needs, assess the safety of their living environment, and formulate appropriate service plans.
• Referral Management & Outreach:
• Receive referrals via phone, email, or voicemail.
• Document all referrals meticulously in the ServTracker database.
• Proactively contact potential participants through phone interviews or home visits.
• Case Management & Monitoring:
• Perform timely reassessments to prevent service gaps and ensure continuous support.
• Conduct monthly phone check-ins with meal recipients to confirm meal receipt and monitor changes in health or living conditions.
• Maintain accurate case data and documentation of all direct client interactions, service development, and referrals using various computer programs.
• Client Support & Advocacy:
• Provide supportive counseling to clients to address their needs.
• Refer clients to a wide range of community services and resources (governmental and private) as needed (financial, psychological, emergency, emotional).
• Assist clients/families in accessing these services and conduct follow-up to evaluate outcomes.
• Make appropriate reports to Adult Protective Services (APS) when necessary.
• Routinely communicate via phone with clients identified as high risk through screening.
• Answer phone calls from clients and/or their family members regarding meal service inquiries or available resources.
• Training & Collaboration:
• Coordinate monthly and/or quarterly trainings for congregant participants (those receiving meals at a central location).
• Serve as an active member of inter/multi-disciplinary teams.
• Professional Development & Compliance:
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of social work theory, techniques, practices, individual and group behavior, social problems, the aging process, medical/mental illness, family dynamics, coping behavior, crisis intervention, and treatment of various social issues.
• Adhere strictly to all guidelines, including state and federal laws, program rules, directives, policies, regulations, professional ethics, and quality assurance standards.
• Operational Support:
• Deliver meals to homebound participants on an as-needed basis.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

3. Work Environment and Challenges:
The role can involve occasional stress and direct interaction with individuals who may be experiencing stress themselves. It requires the ability to analyze complex situations and make immediate or short-term decisions under pressure.

4. Minimum Qualifications:

• Education:
• Requires current enrollment in a Master’s of Social Work (MSW) program from an accredited university.
• *(Alternative qualifications mentioned for context, but the specific internship requires MSW enrollment)*: A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited school of social work, or a four-year degree in a human services field.
• Licenses or Certifications:
• A Valid Driver’s License with a safe driving history is essential, likely due to the requirements for home visits and potential meal deliveries.