Internship, CCS Moline Foster Care Child Welfare Supervisor Assistant

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI), is a leading not-for-profit organization providing healing, justice and wholeness to people and communities. For over 150 years, LSSI has made a difference in the lives of children and families, and we're still a strong, viable presence in the State of Illinois, continuing that commitment to making a difference.

This is an unpaid internship. We are seeking a motivated intern to support the Foster Care Program with a focus on case practice quality assurance, documentation compliance, and supervisory-level monitoring activities. This internship provides hands-on experience aligned with child welfare supervisory functions, including oversight of the case documentation quality, review readiness, and adherence to DCFS Policy and Permanency standards. The intern will assist in identifying documentation and practice gaps, organizing case materials for supervisory and administrative reviews, and supporting tracking systems used to monitor compliance with service plan and permanency requirements. Master’s level applicants only; this is an unpaid internship.

• This internship is available for Master’s-level students only and is designed as a two-semester practicum placement spanning both Fall and Spring semesters. Applicants must be enrolled in a program that requires and permits a continuous placement across both semesters. Single-semester placement is not offered with this position. 
• 12-20 hours per week throughout the duration of the academic year
• Must pass a criminal and CANTS (DCFS) background check
• Due to criminal background check and CANTS processing timelines, internship application deadlines are established to allow adequate time for clearance prior to the start of placement:
  • • Application Deadline: April 30
• Must be available for group supervision, team meetings and agency trainings
• Must be able to work one evening per week, as needed
• Must provide proof of current car insurance
• Must demonstrate initiative, professionalism, and willingness to learn

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the collection, organization, and preliminary review of case-level related case documentation compliance, permanency goal progress, placement stability, and service plan adherence.
• Assist in identifying patterns of non-compliance, documentation gaps, and inconsistencies in case practice across assigned cases or program areas.
• Prepare and organize case information for supervisory reviews, administrative case audits, and permanency-related meetings.
• Support tracking systems used to monitor timeliness of case contacts, court documentation, visitation planning, and service plan completion.
• Assist in quality assurance projects aimed at improving case record accuracy, policy compliance, and readiness for internal/external reviews

Learning Opportunities:

• Understanding the Illinois child welfare policies and case review processes.
• Supporting program evaluation and outcome tracking within a foster care program.
• Developing skills in data collection, analysis, and reporting in a human services setting.
• Assisting with quality assurance efforts and monitoring compliance with policy and procedural requirements.
• Learn how data and documentation support permanency planning and improve outcomes for children and families involved in foster care.

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a Master’s-level program in Social Work (MSW) or a closely related human services field (e.g. psychology, counseling, or public administration)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with appropriately
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and documentation systems preferred
• Interest in working with children and families in a supportive setting.

Agency and Mission Values:

Our program is committed to supporting children and families through compassionate, strength-based, and culturally responsive services that promote safety, permanency, and well-being. Interns are expected to uphold agency values of professionalism, respect, integrity, inclusion, and service excellence throughout their placement experience.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, pregnancy, any other characteristic protected by law.