Summer Intern — Child Protection & Family Services

South Dakota State Government; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

South Dakota Department of Social Services invites undergrad and graduate students to apply for an Intern - Child Protection Services in Yankton. The role supports Family Services Specialists in assessing reports and coordinating services to safeguard children at risk, with travel across the state as needed.

The internship emphasizes teamwork, coursework in social sciences, and strong communication skills. Normal hours are Mon–Fri, with some additional hours possible; background check required.

Qualifications

• Enrolled as a part-time or full-time student at a college, university, or technical institute.
• By the start of the internship, the student should have completed one year (nine months) of their chosen program.
• Preference may be given to juniors/seniors, SD residents, and SD institution students.
• Willing to travel statewide with Division staff.
• Background investigation will be conducted.

Responsibilities

• Assist Family Services Specialists with families whose children are unsafe or may be placed out of home.
• Receive reports and conduct assessments regarding child maltreatment.
• Interventions to address child safety and coordinate family meetings.
• Recruitment and support of foster and relative homes for maltreated children.
• Match resource families for children unable to return to birth families.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Teamwork

Communication skills

Travel

Education

Social work coursework

Psychology coursework

Sociology coursework

Child development coursework

Job description

South Dakota Department of Social Services invites undergrad and graduate students to apply for an Intern - Child Protection Services in Yankton. The role supports Family Services Specialists in assessing reports and coordinating services to safeguard children at risk, with travel across the state as needed.

The internship emphasizes teamwork, coursework in social sciences, and strong communication skills. Normal hours are Mon–Fri, with some additional hours possible; background check required.