Organization Overview:
Colorado Legal Services (CLS) is Colorado's statewide nonprofit legal aid program, with thirteen offices providing civil legalassistanceto low-income Coloradans. CLS provides free legalassistancein a broad variety of legal areas, including family law, public benefits, eviction defense, consumer protection, services to survivors of serious crime and human trafficking, and many others.
CLS has strengthened lives,assistedfamilies, and supported communities-one person at a time for over 100 years. We are committed to providing high-quality, free legal advice and representation to eligible individuals throughout Colorado. We have a long history of successful impact and advocacy. CLS strives to bring about substantive, transformationalchangein the lives of those we serve.
We value representation.
At CLS, we value and respect our staff's wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We ensure representation of our client communities in our staff, Board ofDirectors,and leadership teams. We also envision a fair,just,trusted, and harm reductionist legal system which emphasizes access to and implementation of true justice for every Coloradan.
Position Summary:
TheBSW orMSW Intern will support adults involved in the legal system by providing short-term case management, resource navigation, and emotional support. Working undera credentialedsupervisor, the intern will help assess client needs, connect them withcommunityservices, and collaborate with legal teams to ensure comprehensive support. This role involves managing a small caseload,engagingclients in various settings, and building relationships with community partners.Otheractivities mayinclude building community connections,assistingindeveloping and/or presentingtrainings, program development, and evaluation.
Essential Duties:
- Conductinterviewsand relationship buildingwith adult clients to assess legal, social, medical, psychological, and other needs to support their navigation of the legal system
- Provide short-term advocacy and support, including referrals to community resources such astherapy, medical care, housing, public benefits, and social services
- Collaborate with legal teams toidentifyclient needs and coordinate tasks to support case resolution and resource connection
- Meet clients in their homes, in thecommunity orincourt, as needed, to offer support andfacilitateaccess to services
- Manage an active caseload of 2-5 clients
- Engage with community organizations to build partnerships and stay informed about available services
Required Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in a CSWE-accreditedBSW orMSW program (foundation or concentration level)
- Basic understanding of social work ethics and principles (especially NASW Code of Ethics)
- Strong communicationskills - verbal and written
- Ability to engage diverse populations with cultural humility
- Comfortableconductingone-on-onemeetings including home visits
- Empathy, active listening, and interpersonal skills
- Ability tomaintainconfidentiality
- Familiarity with trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, or case management
- Willingness to learn from supervision and feedback
- Organizational skills for documentation and case management tasks
- Reliable transportation for community, home, and court visits
- Mustpass a criminal background check
- Must be availableduring normal business hours, 8:30 am - 5 pm
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previousvolunteer orwork experience in social services, counseling, or related fields
- Bilingual or multilingual ability (especially in communities with diverse languages)
- Proficiencywith Microsoft Office,Outlookand Teams
- Knowledge of local resources
Compensation and Benefits:We cannot offer compensation or benefits to volunteer interns at thistime,however, the positionis open to receiving other work study funds that are student generated.
How to Apply:
Pleasesubmityour resume and cover letter via the "Apply for This Job" link for thisopening on our careers page.If you have questions about this position, contact Charlie Collop, Client Support Services Manager,atccollop@colgalserv.org.