MSW Intern at Penn

University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 10,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Pennsylvania's PHENND program seeks a second-year MSW practicum intern to support AmeriCorps members with mental health referrals, housing assistance, food benefits, and financial coaching.

This temporary, non-exempt role emphasizes strengths-based casework, intake conversations, and coordinating services across direct practice and resource navigation.

Qualifications

• MSW student in good standing seeking practicum experience.
• Strong skills in case management, intake interviews, and referrals.
• Ability to coordinate housing, benefits, and financial resources.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one, strengths-based casework to Fellows.
• Conduct intake conversations to assess needs and goals.
• Make sure they have MAP accounts, IMG Medical Cap Allowance, Food benefits/Medicaid within 30 days.
• Support fellows with problem solving, time management, stress management, and conflict resolution as needed.
• Assist fellows in navigating transitions or periods of instability that impact service engagement.

Skills

Casework

Intake interviews

Time management

Conflict resolution

Stress management

Problem solving

Education

MSW in progress

Job description

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been consistently ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers.Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

MSW Intern at Penn

Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt

PHENND is looking for one MSW intern to help support our AmeriCorps members when they have special needs that require more individualized support. This encompasses mental health referrals, securing housing, eviction prevention, applying for food benefits, clearing up credit issues, support through an emergency fund process, time management, conflict resolution, student loan issues, etc.

PHENND is looking for one MSW intern to help support our AmeriCorps members when they have special needs that require more individualized support. This encompasses mental health referrals, securing housing, eviction prevention, applying for food benefits, clearing up credit issues, support through an emergency fund process, time management, conflict resolution, student loan issues, etc.

2nd Year MSW Practicum Role, Tasks, & Duties

Direct Practice

• Provide one-on-one, strengths-based casework support to PHENND VISTA Fellows experiencing personal, financial, housing, academic, or mental health related challenges
• Conduct intake style conversations to assess fellows’ needs, goals, and barriers to ensure successful service with the entire cohort.
• Making sure they have signed up for MAP accounts, IMG Medical Cap Allowance, Food benefits/Medicaid within 30 days of start
• Support fellows with problem solving, time management, stress management, and conflict resolution as needed
• Assist fellows in navigating transitions, crises, or periods of instability that impact service Engagement (e.g., accompanying County Assistance or apartment search)

Resource Navigation & Referral Support

• Identify and coordinate mental health referrals, including outpatient therapy and crisis resources, when appropriate
• Support fellows with housing stability needs, including eviction prevention, housing searches, and emergency planning
• Assist with applications for public benefits (e.g., food assistance) and referrals to financial counseling resources
• Support fellows in addressing credit issues, student loan concerns, and emergency fund Processes
• Maintain ethical documentation of referrals, follow-ups, and outcomes in alignment with social work standards

Curriculum Delivery

• One workshop on stress management in January
• One workshop on navigating organizational disfunction (if possible)
• Supervision:
• Possible assistance with small group facilitation with our Self, Site and City Curriculum

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

School of Arts and Sciences

$7.25 - $22.00 Hourly Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

A background check may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

• Health and Life: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare.
• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

Please note that benefit eligibility is determined/based on ACA guidelines.