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Social Work Intern Jobs in Ridgewood, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Intensive Case Management Intern (Unpaid)

Elizabeth, NJ · On-site

$22 - $28.75/hr

The Intensive Case Management (ICM) Intern collaborates closely with the ICM Team toassistwith a ... Minimal Educational Background - A bachelor's ormaster's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Public ...

Social Media Intern

New York, NY · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

Company Description DNA Footwear is looking for a Social Media Intern with graphic skills ... Work side-by-side with our Marketing team to provide assistance on projects, strategy, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Social Work Intern information

See Ridgewood, NJ salary details

$5

$16

$25

How much do social work intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for social work intern in Ridgewood, NJ is $16.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a social work intern?

Social Work Interns are students or recent graduates who are undergoing supervised practical training in the field of social work. They typically work in various settings such as hospitals, schools, community centers, or government agencies to gain hands-on experience and fulfill educational requirements. Social Work Interns assist licensed social workers with case management, client assessments, and program development, while learning professional skills and ethical standards. Their role is essential for bridging academic knowledge with real-world practice before becoming fully licensed social workers.

What types of supervision and support can a social work intern expect during their internship?

As a Social Work Intern, you will typically be assigned to a licensed social worker who provides regular supervision and guidance throughout your placement. Expect to participate in weekly one-on-one meetings to discuss cases, reflect on your experiences, and receive feedback on your performance. Many organizations also offer group supervision sessions and ongoing training opportunities to help you develop practical skills and navigate challenges. This structured support system is designed to ensure your professional growth while maintaining high standards of client care.

What is the difference between Social Work Intern vs Social Worker?

AspectSocial Work InternSocial Worker
CredentialsTypically pursuing or holds a bachelor's or master's degree in social work or related fieldLicensed or certified with required state licensure or certification
Work EnvironmentInternship settings such as clinics, schools, or community agencies, often supervisedFull professional roles in similar settings with independent responsibilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with casework, observing, and gaining practical experienceConducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and providing direct services

In summary, a Social Work Intern is a student or trainee gaining practical experience under supervision, while a Social Worker is a licensed professional providing independent services. Interns are in training, whereas Social Workers are fully qualified practitioners.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a social work intern?

To thrive as a Social Work Intern, you need foundational knowledge of social work principles, case management, and a relevant educational background, typically pursuing or holding a degree in social work. Familiarity with documentation systems, client management software, and understanding of confidentiality protocols are valuable technical assets. Strong interpersonal communication, empathy, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for building trust with clients and collaborating within teams. These skills and qualifications are essential for effectively supporting diverse clients, ensuring ethical practice, and contributing meaningfully to social service organizations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Social Work jobs in Ridgewood, NJ? The most popular types of Social Work jobs in Ridgewood, NJ are:
What cities near Ridgewood, NJ are hiring for Social Work Intern jobs? Cities near Ridgewood, NJ with the most Social Work Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Social Work Intern job openings in Ridgewood, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,032 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

MSW UNPAID INTERN- Wonder With Me Program

SCO Family of Services

NY • On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Part-time

Posted 10 days ago


SCO Family of Services rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The Social Work Intern will support the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Program in delivering developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and relationship-based therapeutic services. This internship is designed for a graduate student currently enrolled in an accredited Master of Social Work program seeking clinical experience with young children (ages birth to five) and their caregivers. The intern will work under the supervision of a licensed social worker and as part of a multidisciplinary team including mental health clinicians, early childhood educators, and family support specialists.
Responsibilities
Foster Care Program Placement:
*Provide coaching to parents during family visits in foster care office and family time sessions in parent-child group home to support parent-child dyad using therapeutic, strength based and trauma informed interventions.
* Co-facilitate a therapeutic parent support group using evidence-based and trauma informed curriculum.
* Establish and maintain a maximum caseload of five visit coaching clients and two groups each week.
Early Childhood Educational Center Placement:
* Provide individual therapeutic sessions with children under the age of 5 years old to support healthy child development, especially the development of socio-emotional skills.
* Co-facilitate or lead group therapy and/or socio-emotional skill building sessions for children under the age of 5 years old
* Support parent-child dyadic work using therapeutic, strengths based and trauma informed interventions to enhance attachment, emotional regulation, and communication.
* Establish and maintain a caseload of at least five individual clients and two groups each week.
All Placement Sites:
* Observe, assess and document child development, play behavior, socio-emotional skills and relational dynamics within therapeutic and/or educational settings.
*Conduct needs assessment to identify most pressing needs of caretakers and children and develop comprehensive list of resources in the community to support child development, healthy parenting and attachment.
* Provide referrals to other providers of clinical or therapeutic services as needed to maintain continuity of care and support systems for families.
* Participate in weekly clinical supervision and bi-monthly interdisciplinary group supervision
* Engage in reflective practice and ongoing learning around early childhood development, infant and childhood mental health, family work, trauma, diversity, and cultural humility.
* Collaborate with caseworkers, supervisors, mental health professionals and educators to support children's social-emotional development, including being present in visiting room, classroom and play center settings outside of scheduled sessions.
* Assist in the planning and implementation of therapeutic programming and family engagement events.
* Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation, including session notes and treatment plans, in accordance with organizational policies and ethical standards.
*Complete weekly process recordings documenting impressions, clinical observations and interventions provided to clients.
Qualifications
* Currently enrolled in a Master's of Social Work direct practice program (required) and approaching second/final year of program
* Strong interest in infant and early childhood mental health in a community based setting.
*Foundational understanding of child development, attachment theory, family systems theory and trauma-informed care.
* Experience with or enthusiasm for working with infants, toddlers, children under the age of five years old and their caregivers.
* Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary, community-based setting.
* Strong verbal and written communication, observation, and interpersonal skills.
* Bilingual or multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
Learning Opportunities
* Graduate level internship hours and reflective supervision.
* Training in infant mental health frameworks, evidence informed interventions
* Exposure to community-based, culturally responsive service delivery.
* Opportunities to engage in cross-disciplinary collaboration with early childhood, child welfare and mental health professionals.
*Opportunities to participate in professional trainings and conferences
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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About SCO Family of Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

SCO Family of Services, based in Glen Cove, NY, is a nonprofit human services organization serving more than 60,000 people annually throughout New York City and Long Island. Established in the year 1895, SCO is deeply rooted in the social welfare landscape, committed to helping vulnerable communities build a strong foundation for the future. Operating in the social assistance sector, the organization offers a vast array of services including family fostering and adoption support, special education, youth and family counseling, and homelessness prevention, among others.

Industry

Individual, family and community social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Glen Cove, NY, US

Year founded

1895

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