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Denver Human Services offers a structured, unpaid experiential learning internship for college students enrolled in social work or related programs. This internship is an unpaid experience, and it does not replace any paid positions.This educational program is designed solely for student learning, academic observation, and professional development within Child Welfare. Instead of carrying out direct client responsibilities or handling caseloads, students will participate in an experiential learning environment that helps them understand how professionals support vulnerable children, adults, and families through observation, guided activities, and supervised skill-building.

What We Offer

All City and County of Denver emerging talent positions are supported by a trained hiring manager and encouraged to attend up to 4 sessions of professional development each season (Winter/Spring, Summer and Fall).

What You'll Do

AtDenver Human Services (DHS), we envision a healthy community where people are connected, supported, safe, and well. One in three people in Denver turn to DHS for support at all stages of life. Our employees help children, at-risk adults, families, and individuals navigate social and economic pressures by connecting them to services and experts who support their overall well-being.

Denver Department of Human Services (DDHS) is offering students an opportunity to get a deeper understanding of the complex world of Child Welfare. Numerous teams within the Child Welfare Division work collaboratively to provide safety and resources to children, families, and our community. As a child welfare learner, students will have the opportunity to learn how DDHS's social caseworkers assess for and ensure safety, while supporting children and families within the community. While much of this experience will be indirect learning experiences, the program has built on a few opportunities to observe social case workers directly interacting with clients in a virtual capacity. There will be one day that we will attend and observe caseworkers in person in court. Potential opportunities entail being able to observe child abuse and neglect hotline calls, assess community referrals of safety concerns (RED Team), observe court hearings and/or family team meetings, and have opportunities to speak with professionals within the different direct and supportive roles in Child Welfare, among other experiences. Learners will not be shadowing social case workers in the field (home visits) or providing direct client services. Students interested in shadowing social caseworkers with direct case contact should apply to the DDHS Social Work Field Placement Program.

Our ideal candidates will have passion and an interest in Child Welfare as a potential career choice. The requirements for this opportunity include that you are a student enrolled in an accredited university or college, are in good academic standing, can pass a background check, and are able to attend on the designated day/time selected for this learning opportunity.

This internship does not involve completing tasks that replace, replicate, or supplement the responsibilities of paid employees. Interns will engage in observation, participate in educational experiences, and practice relevant skills only under direct supervision, for learning purposes.

This educational internship is unpaid and provides no benefits. The intern is not entitled to wages or other compensation. There is no guarantee of or entitlement to a paid employment position at the conclusion of the internship.

Program Structure & Values

• Term: 11 weeks from September 16th 2026 - December 2nd 2026
• Time Commitment: Wednesday afternoons from 12:00pm - 4:00pm
• Academic Credit: May qualify for college or academic credit.
• Academic Flexibility: Scheduling aligns university requirements and supervisor availability and can accommodate academic schedules and demands.
• Student Status Requirement: Must be currently enrolled as a student in a social work or related program.
• Diversity & Inclusion: In alignment with the City and County of Denver's core values, students will observe and learn about equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) practices that support a diverse urban community.

What You'll Bring

We value diversity of ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, sexual identity, gender, religion, language, ability, and experience and exemplify this through the makeup of our team at all levels. You'll be right at home here if you cultivate strong relationships and push yourself, your work, the people around you and Denver to the next level.

Our ideal candidate has some or all the following experience, skills, and characteristics:

• Must be in the Junior Year of a Bachelor's program pursuing a degree in Social Work or a related field
• Have a passion and commitment to helping others
• Strong interpersonal skills, and organizational skills
• Commitment to family preservation
• Ability to maintain boundaries in high stress situations

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Current enrollment in an accredited college program leading to a certificate, licensure, associates, bachelor's, or higher degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Guidance and Counseling or closely related field, or a recent graduate (completed specified program within 1 year of completion)
• Experience Requirement: None
• Education and Experience Equivalency: No substitution of experience for education is permitted

Mandatory documentation required to be considered for this position:

• Resume: 1-2 pages, with the most current information
• Answers to the following questions. Failure to submit both the resume and supplemental questions may result in your application not being considered.
  • Why do you want to learn more about Child Welfare, and what are you hoping to learn during this experience?
  • Why is it important to partner with families of different cultures/backgrounds/beliefs?
  • Are you available to attend the weekly learning experience on Wednesday afternoons from 12:00PM-4:00PM, starting 9/16/2026 through 12/02/2025. Please note all sessions will be in-person.
  • Are there any specific accommodations for your learning that you will need to make this experience fulfilling and successful?
• Transcripts - either official or unofficial, dated within your current academic term

Application Deadline

This position is expected to stay open until August 25th, 2026. Please submit your application as soon as possible and no later than August 25th at midnight to ensure consideration.

Job Profile

To view the full job profile including position specifications, physical demands, and probationary period, click here.

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The City and County of Denver provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.

It is your right to access oral or written language assistance, sign language interpretation, real-time captioning via CART, or disability-related accommodations. To request any of these services at no cost to you, please contact Jobs@Denvergov.org with three business days' notice.

Applicants for employment with the City and County of Denver must have valid work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S.

For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish.