Juvenile Division Social Work InternAt — Sacramento County Office of the Public Defender
There is a gap in services for juvenile justice involved youth. From the time they enter the juvenile justice system at detention hearing, until their cases resolve, the focus is on supervision and resolving the case. However, during this pivotal time, youth may be struggling with mental health, substance use, school, gender or orientation identity, family relationships and other life challenges. SW Interns will work along side attorneys and provide assessment, case planning, case management, and advocacy. SW Interns will engage with youth who are housed at Youth Detention Facility and out in the community, build rapport, assess needs, develop release or case plan and link youth to resources, services, and treatment. SW Interns will also attend court and work closely with attorneys to work toward the best legal outcome for the youth.
The Public Defender Social Work Intern Program includes but is not limited to experience in client advocacy, case management, community treatment and service provider linkages and collaboration, assessment, and exposure to the criminal justice system. We are seeking interns who are interested in working with the diverse clients that include youth who are commercially and sexually exploited; gang-involved; experiencing mental-illness; using substances; homeless or at-risk of homelessness; on probation; and other individuals involved in the juvenile justice system. This internship position provides interns the opportunity to be innovative and creative in their work with clients and requires self-motivation and commitment.
Training includes in-house training on the legal system and educational system as it pertains to youth in the juvenile justice system from Public Defender attorneys, social work clinical supervision, virtual training on working with people in the justice system, shadowing staff social workers in court and at the Youth Detention Facility, and field visits to community based agencies.
No vaccination requirements at this time.