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Social Worker Internship Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

ACORNS Social Worker

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$54K - $85K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, with a minimum two (2) semesters of supervised work or internship working with families, homelessness, mental illness, and/or substance abuse; 1 to 3 years ...

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Social Worker Internship information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$33.5K

$74.1K

$113.7K

How much do social worker internship jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for social worker internship in Raleigh, NC is $74,136.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,400.00 and $88,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectSocial Worker InternshipSocial Worker
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing a degree in social work or related field; some internships may require enrollment in a programMust have a bachelor's or master's degree in social work (BSW or MSW); licensure may be required depending on the state
Work EnvironmentInternship sites such as clinics, community organizations, or hospitals; supervised settingFull-time employment in similar settings with greater responsibilities and independence
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, non-profits, healthcare facilities; used for training and experienceHealthcare providers, social service agencies, government programs; used for professional practice

In summary, a Social Worker Internship provides hands-on experience for students or early-career individuals, often under supervision, while a Social Worker is a licensed professional responsible for client care and case management. Internships are a stepping stone toward becoming a licensed social worker.

What are social worker internships?

Social worker internships are supervised practical experiences that allow students or recent graduates to apply classroom knowledge in real-world social service settings. Interns work with individuals, families, or groups under the guidance of licensed social workers, gaining hands-on experience in case management, client assessment, advocacy, and resource coordination. These internships are often required for completing social work degree programs and are essential for developing professional skills and meeting licensing requirements.

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

Social work interns typically receive regular supervision from a licensed social worker who guides their learning, provides feedback, and helps navigate complex cases. Interns often participate in team meetings, case conferences, and training sessions, fostering collaboration and professional growth. Open communication with supervisors and peers is encouraged to address challenges and ensure ethical practice. This structured support system helps interns build confidence and develop essential skills for their future careers.

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

To thrive as a Social Worker Intern, you need foundational knowledge of social work principles, case management, and a relevant academic background, typically at least enrollment in a social work degree program. Familiarity with case documentation systems, basic counseling tools, and privacy regulations like HIPAA is often required. Strong communication, empathy, and active listening skills are essential to build trust and effectively support diverse clients. These competencies are crucial for delivering ethical, client-centered care and gaining practical experience in a supervised setting.
What are the most commonly searched types of Social Worker jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Social Worker jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What job categories do people searching Social Worker Internship jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Social Worker Internship jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Social Worker Internship jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Social Worker Internship job openings:
Infographic showing various Social Worker Internship job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,132 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

$54K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Description The City of Raleigh Police Department is seeking an ACORNS Social Worker. This non-sworn, full-time position works as part of the ACORNS (Addressing Crises through Outreach, Referrals, Networking, and Service) Unit. The position provides trauma-informed, strengths-based support to individuals experiencing homelessness, living with mental illness, and/or substance use disorders throughout the Raleigh community.

ACORNS Social Workers work collaboratively with mental health and primary care providers, police agencies, emergency departments, school personnel, and other social service agencies and community partners to help individuals in need and their families by connecting them to appropriate community resources and support services based on their identified needs and circumstances. The role includes responding to emergency crises, community referrals, and proactive outreach alongside a sworn law enforcement officer, with the goal of promoting safety, stability, and access to services while fostering positive community relationships. Duties and Responsibilities The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job.

Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. Respecting rights and responsibilities of referred individuals and demonstrate professional boundaries and ethics Adhering to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements Collaborating with ACORNS Unit to provide services to individuals impacted by crises concerning homelessness, mental illness, and/or substance use disorders throughout the Raleigh community Receiving referrals and working collaboratively with the criminal justice system and community partners to determine an approach to each unique situation Identifying indicators of potential risk for harm to self or others through interactions with the referred individual and available collateral information and facilitating appropriate referrals or notifications in accordance with department policy Considering and articulating potential outcomes of various interventions, discuss their risks and benefits, and formulating why a particular course of action was pursued in lieu of other options; opting for least intrusive and most supportive intervention. Initiating Involuntary Commitment Orders (IVC) holds for individuals deemed at risk of harm to self and/or others following Wake County guidelines.

Providing assessment dispositions to treatment providers and emergency departments as appropriate Collaborating with police services to determine risk of intervention and developing plans for approach of individuals in crisis Providing information and facilitating linkage to mental health treatment and other social services Consulting with teammates, supervisors, program managers, and program medical directors as appropriate Documenting and maintain records in a manner that assures compliance with all agency policies, program procedures and local, state, and federal regulations Completing annual employee training requirements. Attend seminars, training and other educational opportunities develop professional skills and abilities Participating in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings Providing consultations concerning populations in Raleigh impacted by homelessness and mental illness and advocate for the ethical treatment of all individuals Conducting specialized academy training for recruits and in-service training for employees Continuously reviewing current research and innovative trends for engaging with populations impacted by homelessness, substance use, and/or mental illness Testifying in court Working rotating flexible hours on short notice Operating computer hardware and software at a level needed to effectively perform job functions Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing Ability to advocate for populations impacted by homelessness, living with mental illness, and/or substance use disorders Ability to traverse uneven terrain when responding to emergency calls or conducting outreach Perform other duties as required Typical Qualifications Required Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, with a minimum two (2) semesters of supervised work or internship working with families, homelessness, mental illness, and/or substance abuse; 1 to 3 years' experience in mental/behavioral health support, or coordinating health and safety programs OR Any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted. Required Licenses and Certification: Valid North Carolina Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire Preferred Education and Experience: Master's Degree in Social Work Peer Support Experience Experience working with law enforcement or community response teams Ability to perform CPR, First Aid, and properly use AED Equipment Preferred Licenses and Certification: Current 40-hour CIT Certification Additional Information Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Knowledge of or willingness to learn about policing and police culture Advanced knowledge of risk assessment and crisis intervention Knowledge of evidence-based practices, and strength-based case management philosophies and strategies including trauma informed care Knowledge of community resources or the ability to become knowledgeable Strong interpersonal, mediation, and conflict-resolution skills Strong organizational skills Flexibility to take on new tasks / assignments with little advance notice Ability to create long-term relationships with communities, agencies, etc.

Ability to gather information regarding an individual's presenting concerns, basic needs, and circumstances to identify appropriate resources and referral options Ability to work independently and be self-motivated Ability to learn and utilize new data software (JULOTA) Ability and willingness to function as part of a team Ability to operate a City of Raleigh owned vehicle Ability to operate in a sometimes ambiguous and frequently changing work environment Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted Ability to work closely and in harmony with representatives of other law enforcement and investigative agencies in matters of common interest related to crime statistics and trends Ability to abide by of all associated RPD and City of Raleigh Policies ADA and Other Requirements: Work Environment and Physical Effort: Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Work Environment: Work is typically performed in an office or similar indoor environment.. Work Exposures: Work in this position will require occasional exposure to individuals who are hostile or irate and individuals with known violent backgrounds

City of Raleigh is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.Accommodationsfor individuals with disabilitiesareprovided upon request.?.