Internships for Social Workers
Social work internships are entry-level, educational jobs that can be paid or unpaid and usually give you college credit for your welfare work. As a rule, these internships last for 1 semester. But you can find internships that last for 2 semesters.
Externships usually last only a few weeks. They are based on job shadowing and are typically unpaid and do not give you college credit. Sometimes, an externship is based on giving you experience in one specific skill, acting like a focused internship.
Cooperative education experiences are internship programs that are usually required and are available only to students in certain majors. Usually, they are full-time, and you’re much more likely to be offered a full-time job. If your college requires an internship, they usually have a cooperative education program. These positions are easier to get then typical internships and externships.
Benefits of Internship in Welfare and Social Work
There are several obvious benefits why students decide to take internships. First of all, internship can give you a chance to prepare for the future job. You’ll have all of the experiences that a regular employee would have, but without as much responsibility. You won’t be expected to make major decisions, but you will more than likely get to watch how others make these decisions. No doubt that this will help you to be prepared for your future job where mistakes are not easily forgiven.
During your internships you’ll get an amount of experience. While you may not have full responsibilities like a typical employee, you will have exposure to your field of study. Sometimes, it is impossible to get experience in your field, as non-degreed jobs are not available. An internship will give you an edge over applicants who only have work experience in jobs like restaurants and retail.
Taking part in an social worker internship is already great for your resume. If you do a good job, you’ll additionally have people to write recommendations for you. If you decide to go on for an advanced degree in social work (MSW or DSW), you can get your internship director to write letters of recommendation.
Internship Programs in Social & Human Services:
- Alameda County Social Services Agency
- Americorps Programs
- Futures with Women and Children
- Cal Corps Public Service Center
- Camping Unlimited
- Center for Independent Living, (CIL)
- Clinica de la Raza – Mental Health Department
- Common Ground
- Community United Against Violence
- Department of Health and Human Services, Sacramento
- Easter Seal Camp Harmon
- EMQ Children & Family Services
- Everett Public Service Internship Program
- Fred Finch Youth Center
- Green For All
- Harold E. Jones Child Study Center
- Institute on Aging
- Northern California Cancer Center
- Patton State Hospital
- Richmond Area Multi-Services
- The Riley Center
- San Francisco AIDS Foundation
- Shanti
- Share our Strength Job Listings
- Vacaville Psychiatric Program
- Visions in Action
Featured Online Degrees in Social Work
Social Work Schools by States
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Florida Georgia Illinois Louisiana | Massachusetts Minnesota Missouri New York | North Carolina Ohio Pennsylvania Texas | Washington |
- Clinical Social Worker Training
- Social Workers Colleges with BSW programs
- MSW Degree in Florida Universities
- Sociology Degree and Other Social Sciences
- Medical and Public Health Social Workers

