Juvenile Justice Social Work Intern (Summer 2026)

Description of Work

Are you a college student or recent college graduate interested in a social work internship? If so, continue reading because this internship could be the perfect fit for you. 

The North Carolina Department of Public Safety (DPS) has an internship available for a social work project with the Division of Juvenile Justice for the Summer of 2026. 

The purpose of the Juvenile Justice Social Work internship is to enhance parental and family engagement and assure the Division's legal responsibilities regarding communication with youth, families, and victims are followed. The intern will have exposure to court services, facilities, and community-based programming and services.

Specific responsibilities of the Juvenile Justice Social Work Intern will include:
• Implementing Parent Survey to parents of youth residing in secure facilities
• Data analysis
• Engaging and collaborating with professionals providing case management and clinical care in secure facilities and case management in the communities
• Assisting with policy reviews and planning
• Other tasks as interests are indicated and need is identified

This intern is expected to have the ability to conduct independent research on various topics. Knowledge of Excel and other MS Office products is necessary. This intern should possess professional communication skills in written and oral form. The intern should have the ability to interpret and apply General Statues, Administrative Code, Policies and Procedures to meet desired outcomes.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

This internship is expected to start on May 18, 2026, and continue through July 24, 2026. The work schedule is part-time (up to 30 hours per week), Monday -Friday. The rate of pay is $18.00 per hour. We value our employees and are committed to providing flexibility in work schedules. This position qualifies for teleworking on a part-time basis as part of the State Telework Program

A college transcript is required to determine eligibility. Please attach your unofficial college transcript(s). 

The selected intern will be required to provide a letter of recommendation from a professional reference or academic advisor/professor before being hired.

Interns will be hired through Temporary Solutions which operates as the State’s temporary employment agency. As a temporary position there are no leave or retirement benefits offered with this position. Visit www.nctemporarysolutions.com for employment information.

DPS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals.    

The Minimum Education and Experience (E&E) is REQUIRED to qualify for this position. Management Preferences, including Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs), are not required but may be used to determine the pool of most qualified applicants. Managers may also choose to interview/select applicants who demonstrate Management Preferences.    

All work history and education (including accurate dates of employment/attendance) must be documented on the application. Work experience may include internships, volunteerism, and full and part-time work. A complete, all-inclusive application maximizes an applicant’s potential to qualify for the position, as well as receive the highest possible salary if selected for the position. Salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations for the advertised position. Click here for more information and application resources.   

Resumes may be attached as a supplement to the application but are not a substitute for a complete application.    

Management Preferences   

• Must be currently enrolled in college or a recent college graduate. NOTE: "Recent" graduates are those who have graduated within the last 6 months.
• Must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree (or a recent graduate) in Social Work, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Psychology, Public Policy or related Human Services field.

A college transcript is required to determine eligibility. Please attach your unofficial college transcript(s). The transcript must include your name, courses/major, and the name of the college/university.

Note: Please make sure your application is complete before submitting because the system will not allow you to reapply. (college transcript must be attached)

Note: Interns must submit to a background check and fingerprinting or consent to agency onboarding requirements.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Our internship program offers students comprehensive professional development within key organizational processes, including proficiency in Workday systems, case management, and various social work procedures and standards. Participants will also gain exposure to judicial proceedings and utilize specialized social work software and tools essential for effective practice.
In addition to practical experience, interns engage in robust professional development designed to strengthen both technical and interpersonal competencies. This includes credentialed training and certifications in: Lean Six Sigma methodologies for process improvement. Verbal de-escalation strategies for conflict resolution. Real Colors personality assessment for effective communication. Life-saving certifications in CPR, First Aid, and AED usage. Our training and development initiatives are fully credentialed, ensuring that students receive recognized certifications upon successful completion. 

This combination of hands-on experience and certified training equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in diverse professional environments.