Sacramento Public Library Social Work Internship Program At — Sacramento Public Library
The Sacramento Public Library has implemented a social work internship program at various branches within the library system. The goal of the program is to assist library patrons as they navigate community resources and assist with referrals to community agencies. Selected students will be expected to collaborate with their team members to support the library’s efforts to provide support to patrons. The students will assist patrons with various needs, such as housing support, applications for benefits, medical needs, mental health services, reentry programs, behavioral health services, employment support, referrals, and additional services. Each student will be assigned to work at a specific library branch where a need for social services support exists. Ideally, students will work in teams of two, until each student is able to work independently. There will be a minimum of two students assigned to a given library branch as the program expands to other branches.
By the end of this internship opportunity, students will have learned professionalism and service to the community. Students will also understand the importance of working within a team, how to navigate community resources, and how to advocate for those who are disenfranchised. They will also gain a wealth of knowledge from the patrons they work with, as the students learn about the difficulties faced by those who are unhoused. Students will receive ongoing mentoring, coaching, and guidance through professional development sessions, agency tours, and team training opportunities.
Training will take place during the first week of the internship program. This could include 2 days of development focused on familiarizing students with the library system and internship program, and activities to prepare them or work in the library branches.
There are no COVID vaccine requirements at this time.