Internship, CCS Foster Care- Multi-Disciplinary Team Practicum Student

About the role

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) seeks a motivated intern to support our Foster Care Program through our Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) by coordinating and facilitating Child and Family Team Meetings (CFTM) for foster care case workers. This internship offers hands-on experience in collaborative case planning, family engagement, and team facilitation within the child welfare system.

Responsibilities

• Cook up and schedule Child and Family Team Meetings (CFTM’s) for case workers and involved case members and stakeholders.
• Prepare for meetings by reviewing case information and collaborating with case workers to identify goals, participants, and discussion topics.
• Facilitate and lead CFTM’s using strength-based and family-centered approaches.
• Support meaningful family engagement by ensuring parents, youth, and natural supports have an opportunity to participate and share input.
• Document meeting outcomes, service recommendations, and action steps in a clear and timely manner.
• Track and maintain data related to CFTM meetings, including attendance, meeting frequency, case progress, and identified service needs.
• Communicate meeting summaries and follow-up tasks with caseworkers and team members.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with all organizational policies and procedures.
• Participate in supervision and team meetings to review cases, receive feedback, and develop facilitation skills.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or related field.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with appropriate discretion.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and documentation systems preferred.
• Interest in working with children and families in a supportive setting.

Benefits

This internship is designed as a two-semester practicum placement spanning both Fall and Spring semesters. Applicants must be enrolled in a program that requires and permits continuous placement across both semesters. Single-semester placement is not offered with this position. Must pass a criminal and CANTS (DCFS) background check. Due to criminal background check and CANTS processing timelines, internship application deadlines are established to allow adequate time for clearance prior to the start of placement: Application Deadline: April 30.

Requirements

• Must be available for group supervision, team meetings, and agency trainings.
• Must be able to work one evening per week, as needed.
• Must provide proof of current car insurance.
• Must feel comfortable with in-home family visits.
• Must demonstrate initiative, professionalism, and willingness to learn.

Skills

• Experience in Child and Family Team Meetings and multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Skills in meeting facilitation, conflict management, and group communication.
• Understanding of the role of family engagement and natural support in the child welfare system.
• Experience with trauma-informed and strengths-based practices.
• Professional skills in documentation, coordination, and systems collaboration.

Pay

This is an unpaid internship.

Schedule

This internship is designed as a two-semester practicum placement spanning both Fall and Spring semesters. Applicants must be enrolled in a program that requires and permits continuous placement across both semesters. Single-semester placement is not offered with this position.