Child and Family Services Internship (Spring 2027)

Hiring Agency: Health & Human Services - Agency 25

Location: Lincoln, NE, Statewide, NE

Hiring Rate: $15.000

Application Deadline: October 30th, 2026

About the role

Our Child and Family Services Internship provides hands-on experience for students who are currently enrolled in a college or university and require an internship to complete coursework. Interns will shadow Child and Family Services Specialists to gain insight into roles that serve some of Nebraska’s most vulnerable populations.

Child and Family Services Specialists work closely with families needing child welfare intervention due to abuse and/or neglect. They collaborate with the legal system to achieve permanency goals, connect families with resources to heal from trauma, and promote community safety. The aim is to provide the least disruptive services for the shortest necessary duration, helping children succeed while maintaining dignity and respect, and supporting families in caring for themselves.

Opportunities are available at many local DHHS offices across the state, including Omaha, Lincoln, Scottsbluff, Chadron, Nebraska City, Norfolk, South Sioux City, Hastings, Grand Island, Kearney, York, Seward, Fremont, Ogallala, and more.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for families.
• Respect the individuality of each child and family served.
• Respect each child’s family and culture.
• Implement family-centered practice principles into case management to ensure the inclusion of children and families in decision-making processes.
• Promote normalcy in the lives of children in care.
• Adhere to principles and procedures of Structured Decision Making to support keeping children and families safe.
• Utilize evidence-based practices that focus on least-restrictive and family-centered approaches.
• Identify and make appropriate referrals for formal and informal interventions based on family needs.
• Write clear, concise, and descriptive reports in a timely manner for legal entities and the court system.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited college or university (two-to-four-year institution) OR recently graduated (within one year) from such a program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, human services, mental healthcare, criminal justice, education, or any other closely related field.

Benefits

The State of Nebraska offers a comprehensive package including pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement, and professional development opportunities. Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency, and employment status.

For more information on benefits, visit: statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits.

Pay

$15.00 per hour.