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Social Work Internship Jobs in Des Moines, IA (NOW HIRING)

Internship

Clive, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Our care providers work closely with patients and their loved ones to help achieve their personal ... Social Security Number, credit card or bank information, etc.) from you via email. The recruiters ...

Internship

Clive, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Our care providers work closely with patients and their loved ones to help achieve their personal ... Social Security Number, credit card or bank information, etc.) from you via email. The recruiters ...

Licensed Therapist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

... of psychology interns as directed-all within a collaborative, mission-driven academic health ... Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field from an accredited ...

Residential Recovery Intern (53635)

Cambridge, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

... social work, counseling, and human services.. What you'll be doing... * Shadow staff and support ... Work with your advisor to ensure it meets your academic requirements. * This internship is unpaid ...

Events Intern

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $15.50/hr

During your internship, you will work alongside the Events Team to coordinate and execute ARL ... content for social media and the ARL website. You will gain experience in event logistics ...

WHO 13 is looking for an aspiring broadcast professional to work in the newsroom. Responsibilities ... mobile and social-media platforms. WHO13 offers unpaid internship opportunities for college ...

WHO 13 is looking for an aspiring broadcast professional to work in the newsroom. Responsibilities ... mobile and social-media platforms. WHO13 offers unpaid internship opportunities for college ...

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Social Work Internship information

See Des Moines, IA salary details

$5

$16

$24

How much do social work internship jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for social work internship in Des Moines, IA is $16.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.09 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Social Work Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Social Work Intern, you need foundational knowledge of social work principles, case management, and community resources, typically gained through enrollment in an accredited social work program. Familiarity with documentation software, client management systems, and basic counseling techniques is often expected. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and active listening help interns build trust with clients and collaborate effectively with colleagues. These skills and qualities are crucial to providing compassionate, ethical, and effective support to individuals and communities in need.

What types of supervision and support can I expect during a Social Work Internship?

During a Social Work Internship, you can typically expect regular supervision from a licensed social worker who will guide your case management, clinical practice, and ethical decision-making. Weekly supervision meetings are common, providing opportunities for feedback, questions, and professional development. Additionally, you'll often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including case managers, counselors, and healthcare professionals, allowing you to observe different approaches and expand your network. This supportive environment is designed to help you develop practical skills, build confidence, and prepare for a professional social work career.

What is a social work internship?

A social work internship is a supervised, practical learning experience for students pursuing a degree in social work. Interns work in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, or community organizations, to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. The internship helps students develop essential skills, understand professional ethics, and gain exposure to different populations and issues. It is typically a requirement for earning a social work degree and prepares students for a career in the field.

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

AspectSocial Work InternshipSocial Worker
CredentialsTypically enrolled in or recent graduate of social work programs; may require student statusLicensed or certified with relevant state licensure
Work EnvironmentInternship settings such as clinics, community centers, or hospitals, supervised by licensed professionalsFull professional roles in similar settings, with independent responsibilities
Employer & IndustryNon-profit organizations, government agencies, healthcare facilitiesSame as internships, but with full responsibilities and autonomy

In summary, a Social Work Internship is a supervised training position for students or recent graduates, focusing on gaining practical experience. A Social Worker is a licensed professional providing ongoing client services and case management. Internships serve as a stepping stone toward becoming a licensed social worker.

What are the most commonly searched types of Social Work jobs in Des Moines, IA? The most popular types of Social Work jobs in Des Moines, IA are:
What cities near Des Moines, IA are hiring for Social Work Internship jobs? Cities near Des Moines, IA with the most Social Work Internship job openings:
Infographic showing various Social Work Internship job openings in Des Moines, IA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Internship, 25% Full Time, and 58% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,790 per year, or $16.2 per hour.
Social Worker-Social Services-Methodist

Social Worker-Social Services-Methodist

UnityPoint Health

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


UnityPoint Health rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 350 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

326th of 864 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview
Social Worker - Social Services
Departments: Lutheran
Our Social Work team is growing, and we're looking for compassionate, driven professionals to join us! If you're passionate about making a real difference in people's lives, we'd love to connect and tell you more about the opportunities ahead!
As a member of the interdisciplinary team, contributes professional social work knowledge and skills in the provision of services that support patient and family access to health care and address psychosocial factors that influence a patient's health. Works in various areas of the hospital providing direct care and support, transition planning and facilitation and advocacy.
Current Openings:
(1) Iowa Lutheran - M-F Days, 40/hrs week
Why UnityPoint Health?
At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We're proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.
Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you're in. Here are just a few:
  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.
  • Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.
And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.
Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.
Responsibilities
Patient Care:
Performs psychosocial assessment of the patient to identify priority needs, strengths, patient preferences and barriers to care.
Provides immediate crisis intervention and support to patients/families to enhance their ability to cope with the impact of health conditions.
Educates patient/family regarding Advanced Directives and facilitates/documents advanced care planning conversations with patients/surrogate decision makers including First Steps and IPOST/IPOLST.
Assesses grief issues and offers bereavement support.
Assists with planning for care transitions and collaborates with UPH, community services, and facilities to support patient safety and continuity of care.
Completes PASRR or other screening tools when appropriate for transition to another care provider.
Documents assessments, interventions, and referrals in the electronic health record according to documentation standards.
Education and Advocacy:
Serves as a patient/family advocate in support of patient confidentiality, informed consent, patient autonomy, and self-determination.
Assesses patient safety to identify possible abuse, neglect or other risks to safety. Collaborates with the care team to address safety issues and files DHS reports and/or guides others in the process as mandated.
Provides information and support with guardianship and conservatorship issues.
Supports culturally competent services and assists with arranging interpreter services as needed.
Provides education to the patient/family regarding available services and supports and assists the patient to access those they are eligible for.
Provides information and education to physician and other team members in understanding the psychosocial implications of illness and disease progression for the patient/family.
Participates in mentoring new employees and/or supervising social work interns as requested.
Care Coordination/Transition Support:
Identifies patient transitional needs by assessing psychosocial, environmental, financial and cultural strengths and barriers.
Maintains comprehensive knowledge of community resources and acts as a liaison to refer patients/families to health and social services, health insurance, public assistance and other resources to meet patient identified needs.
Provides expertise and plays a key role with the care team in establishing patient-centered goals of care and identifying psychosocial and behavioral strengths and barriers.
Contributes to the comprehensive, longitudinal plan of care based on patient-centric goals and coping strategies.
Facilitates and/or participates in interdisciplinary team meetings to review and revise the patient plan of care.
Facilitates patient/family meetings to enhance family support of the patient's care.
Collaborates with social workers and other professionals across the continuum and in the community to ensure continuity of care.
Qualifications
Education: BSW degree Required in Social Work from an accredited school of social work. MSW degree in Social Work Preferred.
Experience: Prefer one year clinical experience & experience in a hospital setting.
License(s)/Certification(s): Valid LBSW, LMSW, LISW, or similar licensure must be obtained within 1 year of hire. Successfully complete Person Centered Care course within 1 year of hire. Valid mandatory Reporter course completion by state(s) requirement.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Knowledge of the social work process
Awareness and sensitivity to cultural diversity
Knowledge of the physiological elements of illness and impact on psychosocial functioning
Knowledge of the healthcare system and resources available to patients.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as a collaborative team member
Knowledge of social determinants of Health
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Other: Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position. Work may require travel to other UPH facilities or patient homes. May drive a UPH vehicle, rental or own vehicle. Valid licensed driver with automobile insurance in accordance with state and/or organizational requirements.

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About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995