Youth Advocacy Social Work Intern

Overview:  

Juvenile Law Center’s Youth Advocacy Program groups: Advocates Transforming Youth Systems works with young people who are currently or were formerly involved in the child welfare system and Advocates for Youth Justice focuses on young people who have been involved in the juvenile justice system. Each year the program offers youth advocates an opportunity to assess the system’s strengths and weaknesses based on their experiences, select an area of focus, and develop and implement advocacy projects that work toward system reform. Youth Advocates are also welcome to join Juvenile Law Centers Youth Speakers Bureau to build on their public speaking, presentation, and speech writing skills. Program staff also work to provide additional essential support, by connecting youth to critical resources so they can succeed.

Positions Available: Two Social Work Graduate Level Internships for Juvenile Law Center’s Youth Advocacy Program. We are seeking one micro focused student and one macro focused level student. 

General Overview of Internship: Interns are expected to assist with programmatic, administrative, clinical, and policy tasks associated with Juvenile Law Center’s Youth Advocacy Programs. 

Key Responsibilities: The Social Work Intern(s) will, under the supervision of the Senior Program Manager, and Program Manager,  

• Work to design and facilitate program curriculum, by building on and designing new approaches to youth-led programming; this includes designing program materials and documents for facilitation and presentations etc.  
• Research laws and policies related to child welfare and juvenile justice. 
• Work with Juvenile Law Center’s, legal, policy and program staff to support youth advocates to build and implement successful campaigns/projects.   
• Support youth in learning about social justice, politics, and building their skills to engage in advocacy strategies to build successful youth-led campaigns  

• Build and maintain relationships with local and national partners.  
• Maintain confidential documentation adhering to Pennsylvania mandated reporting requirements. 
• Will work with the Clinical social worker in:  

• Connecting with youth on an ongoing basis to assess their progress in the program and develop strategies for youth engagement and retention.  
• Design workshops and materials centered around youth identified goals, and topics that promote their overall well-being. *Interns will not be providing individual therapy to youth. 

• Identify and connect youth to critical resources that support their well-being  

Required Qualifications: Candidates must meet the following qualifications –  

• Entering their second year of field education in a master’s Level Social Work Program or related human service field 

• Be available Wednesday, and Thursday from 4-6pm for program workshops 
• Participate in some in-person work.  

Note - Candidates with backgrounds in child welfare and justice, or carceral systems are strongly recommended to apply. 

Required Skills:  

• Demonstrated commitment to civil rights, racial justice, economic justice, and children’s rights. 

• Have a general understanding of the juvenile justice system and the child welfare system, and its impact on children, families, and communities most disenfranchised.  
• Experience working with children, teens, or young adults.  
• Understanding of trauma informed practices and cultural humility  
• Commitment to our mission and vision 
• Exhibit facilitation & public speaking experience  

• Ability to work independently, and on team.  
• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Google   
• Some travel required.  

To apply: Please send your resume to Cathy Moffa cmoffa@jlc.org. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Interviews will continue through March.