CASA Program Intern: Summer 2025
The CASA Program Intern will learn about the child welfare system, gain an overview of the federal child abuse and neglect laws, will be able to attend court and observe dependency court hearings, in addition to understanding how the CASA volunteer role intersects with the Juvenile Court System and relates to others in the system. While the Intern will not be responsible for the direct supervision of volunteer advocates, they will be able to observe and participate in case management responsibilities and will learn about the issues and dynamics within families in crisis related to child abuse and neglect.
Internships may be customized to the student’s area of interest.
The CASA Program Intern will report directly to the Executive / Program Director. All intern positions are unpaid but may be taken for college credit.
This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is understood that the Intern will also perform other reasonable related duties as assigned by the Executive / Program Director. This position description is not a written contract
Learning Objectives
- Be exposed to nonprofit management and administration.
- Gain knowledge of the juvenile justice system related to child dependency.
- Develop awareness of trends in child welfare and permanency planning.
Qualifications
● Have an interest in child welfare, advocacy, and/or nonprofit work.
● Excellent writing and copywriting skills.
● Ability to handle sensitive, confidential information.
● Strong organization skills.
● Demonstrate professionalism.
● Ability to adapt quickly.
● Proactive, driven, and creative, especially in a startup environment.
[CASA Program] is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, ethnicity, national origin (ancestry), color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability or physical challenge, or any other prohibited basis in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Responsibilities
● Observe dependency court hearings to learn how the court interacts with the child welfare system.
● Observe multidisciplinary inter-agency team meetings following the removal of a child from his/her/their family of origin.
● Develop an appreciation for the impact CASA volunteers have on the court and the child welfare system.
● Build relationships with the Court and Children and Youth Services to research case histories.
● Gain insight into the issues confronting children who experience abuse and/or neglect.
● Expand their understanding of the importance of confidentiality.
● Participate in CASA volunteer training.
● Assist in data collection, entry, and tracking.
● Practice administrative responsibilities.
● Maintain confidentiality.
Suggested Majors
Social Work, Nonprofit Management, Psychology, Pre-Law, Education, Communication, Criminology / Criminal Justice
Other Requirements
- Flexible hours.
- Position requires extensive background check:
- Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Record Check
- Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance from the Department of Human Services
- Fingerprint based Federal Criminal History (FBI) Record Check through the Department of Human Services
- Social Security Number Verification
- National Sex Offender Registry Check
- Must sign a Confidentiality Statement and Conflict of Interest Disclosure.
- Must have access to a vehicle, be willing and able to travel, and possess a valid driver’s license.
Organizational Values
Honesty - Integrity – Teamwork – Service - Values Diversity - Empathy - Collaboration