MSW Intern

Role: MSW/BSW Intern 

Direct Supervisor: Learner Support Manager (LSM) 

Senior Director: Claire Cuno, LMSW

Location: United States (Campus and National - Hybrid and Fully-Remote) 

The Learner Support Team encompasses both Licensed Social Workers and Financial Coaches who commit to social justice and economic empowerment to drive collaboration and partnership with our learners (students). At Per Scholas, we know that emotional and personal well-being is not static and integral to professional success.  As such, we have incorporated an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) model into the experience of our learners through the Learner Support Team. The Learner Support Team works to:

• Engage with our learners across multiple campuses from a strength-based and solutions-focused perspective
• Collaborate to identify resources and direct referrals that are responsive to the unique needs of our learners. 
• Research, cultivate, and strengthen additional resources and community partnerships across regional markets. 
• Navigate through challenges related to public benefit programs and social services and collaborate with learners to bolster self-advocacy skills

Meet programmatic goals and compliance as required by Per Scholas’ partners and funders

Summary of Responsibilities

MSW Interns are vital and equally part of driving change and supporting key LST initiatives. Interns will provide comprehensive programmatic support, driving specific short-team projects designed to improve and refine the robust MSW Field Placement program at Per Scholas. Projects that align towards enhancing and engaging enrolled learners at Per Scholas to seek support and services from 

LST Interns will learn how to build and bridge services, work and cultivate relationships across multi-disciplinary teams, and adapt and work alongside learners on a 1:1 basis to provide individual and specific success planning for both enrolled learners at Per Scholas and the alumni community. The Learner Support Team strives to innovate and integrate support that caters to the learner's needs and successful completion of their select training program from pre-enrolment to alumni status. Interns are provided the opportunity and choice to expand direct 1:1 service work toward other methods of assessment, intervention, and engagement. 

Interns will learn: case management, workshop facilitation, one-on-one direct service support, lead learner group sessions, and project management and dive into local community-based resource acquisition and create new intervention tools and projects with a focus on strengthening learners' personal wellness. 

Who Should Apply?

•  MSW or BSW students seeking a creative, hands-on internship
• Passionate about social justice, economic empowerment, and learner success
• Strong communicators, problem-solvers, initiators and collaborators

Eligibility

Per Scholas internships are available to both MSW and BSW students. All interns work directly with an assigned Field Work Supervisor throughout their placement. The duration of the internship aligns with your school's field placement requirements, with a minimum commitment of ten weeks or one semester.

Students must promptly communicate any changes in their field placement status, schedule, or school requirements to their supervisor. This includes updates to required field hours, placement schedules, school-specific requirements, or supervisory documentation needs

Pre-Placement Process

Before confirming placement, students will meet with their potential supervisor to discuss placement goals, and work arrangements (in-person, hybrid, or remote), and review the Learner Support Team's role. During this meeting, students can address questions about their responsibilities, supervision structure, and Per Scholas overall. 

Hybrid positions are available for students within 25 miles of a Per Scholas campus, while remote work arrangements can be accommodated for those beyond this radius. This geographic policy helps ensure effective participation in both on-site and virtual activities.

We value transparency in this process and encourage open dialogue about placement fit to ensure alignment with educational goals. We value understanding your needs and goals - even if Per Scholas isn't the right fit, we appreciate your interest in learning about the Learner Support Team.

Onboarding

Once both student and supervisor determine Per Scholas is the right fit, the supervisor will begin the onboarding process in coordination with our People Team. This process includes necessary screening and approval steps to provide access to Per Scholas platforms and authorize engagement with our learners.

Responsibilities

(1) Direct Service and Program Support

• Provide comprehensive 1:1 support and case management
• Facilitate wellness workshops and group sessions
• Support Learners locally or nationally
• Create learner engagement content
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness

(2) Systems and Process Development

• Develop implementation guides
• Document best practices and workflows
• Support quality assurance measures

(3) Administrative and Resource Development

• Maintain LST resource guides and databases
• Support initiative rollouts and special projects
• Create training materials and documentation
• Contribute to program evaluation
• Develop sustainability plans for projects

Supervision

Interns will be supervised by their direct supervisor during their academic year field placement, though project work may involve collaboration with other Per Scholas Staff. Weekly supervision meetings (30-60 minutes) will be scheduled at mutually agreed-upon time. Interns are invited to provide an agenda before meetings to review field assignments and ensure alignment with school placement requirements.  Discussions will center on tracking progress, addressing questions or challenges, and providing feedback on projects and direct learner engagement. 

Group supervision opportunities with other interns will be available based on scheduling. Individual supervision provides a collaborative space to develop and pursue new initiatives as you grow in your role within the Learner Support Team. We encourage interns to bring forward ideas and vision, using supervision time to plan and implement projects that align with team goals.

Compensation and Length of Internship

• Unpaid; 1 term minimum 

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