Internship Enrolled Social Work Student - Adult Division (Spring)

About the Role

This is a non-Civil Service, unpaid student volunteer opportunity. Our program supports the work of the office while creating a challenging yet supportive educational environment for interns. We aim to provide interns with a thorough understanding of client-centered indigent defense practice, practical skills for future application, and insight into whether a career as a public defender aligns with their goals.

The Metropolitan Public Defender’s Office represents adults accused of crimes in Davidson County who cannot afford legal representation, as well as children charged with delinquency. Cases range from misdemeanors to complex capital murder cases. Our mission is to defend the liberty, honor, and constitutional rights of our clients through zealous advocacy, striving for excellence in representation and working toward a more just, fair, and compassionate legal system. Each client is entitled to quality representation that recognizes their dignity and achieves the best possible outcome.

Responsibilities

• Observing a variety of criminal court proceedings, including dockets, hearings, and administrative functions of the court
• Conducting interviews with clients and their families to complete social histories
• Visiting clients in the Davidson County jails, courthouse, and community
• Compiling educational and therapeutic records on clients and identifying needed treatment resources
• Developing, implementing, and case managing release plans
• Attending and advocating on behalf of clients in court
• Attending team meetings and Office-wide meetings/events
• Participating in weekly individual supervision and monthly group supervision

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an accredited Bachelor or Master of Social Work (BSW/MSW) program
• Completion of coursework in human behavior and/or social policy
• Ability to pass a background check as required by host agencies or field placement agreements
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Commitment to social justice, advocacy, and working with people involved in the criminal legal system
• Familiarity with the principles of client-centered representation and willingness to practice in that model
• Demonstrated commitment to serving marginalized persons and communities, and ability to recognize and respect the human dignity of every person

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with accreditations earned in a foreign institute are encouraged to apply.

Supervision

Interns will report directly to a Client Advocate/MSW working on the Client Advocacy and Mitigation Team in the Adult Division of the Office of the Metropolitan Public Defender.

Working Conditions

• Work involves moderate risks or discomforts associated with a courthouse and/or detention center environment, requiring special safety precautions (e.g., working in crowded conditions and with individuals accused of criminal acts)
• Performed in a combination of office, school, and field settings
• May involve exposure to sensitive or emotionally challenging situations; strict confidentiality and adherence to ethical guidelines are required
• Requires physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking, climbing, bending, stooping, or stretching

Note: Per Metro Ordinance No. SO94-1078, all employees of the Metropolitan Government must be residents of the State of Tennessee or become residents within six (6) months of employment.