Start here. Stay here.
The Winchester Department of Social Services offers meaningful internship opportunities with serious growth potential. It's time to bring your passions to light. Step out of the shadows that many other internships put you in and apply instead for one that will put you on the front lines of social work.
Internships at Winchester Social Services give students work experience, a variety of skills, and an opportunity to connect with other professionals in a real-world environment. We are seeking students passionate about making a difference and exploring career opportunities in:
We're looking for motivated students who want to leave their mark! Apply today.
An internship at Winchester Social Services can offer you:
- A meaningful experience and preparation to work in Child Protective Services, Foster Care and Adoption, and/or Adult Protective Services
- Integration of classroom learning with direct practice
- Hands-on experience in the field and office setting
- The opportunity to work alongside an outstanding team of professionals
- The potential for full-time employment following completion of your internship
An internship at Winchester Social Services cannot offer:
- Volunteer Work - Winchester Social Services only accepts internship placements through accredited colleges and universities. We do not accept volunteer placements due to the sensitive nature of our work.
- A “caseload” - Winchester Social Services does not assign interns primary assignment to assessments, investigations or cases. You will have the opportunity to work closely with our Family Services Specialists as they go about their work.
- Clinical hours - Your internship hours at Winchester Social Services will not count toward clinical hours.
What previous students have had to say about internships at Winchester Social Services:
Before interning with WDSS, I did not realize how much social workers did in the community. Interns here are very hands-on and a lot of instruction is done out in the field with experienced social workers. You get real experience in the process from start to finish.
It's humbling to know that you are meeting someone on one of their worst days. My mentor helped me understand how to speak to clients in order to gather all the necessary information.
~ Kathryn, WDSS Family Services Worker & former intern
We Welcome Child Welfare Stipend Students (CWSS)
Completing an internship at WDSS gives you the chance to work on real cases with close oversight and prepare for your own case load as a full-time professional. Hear what previous Child Welfare Stipend Students have to say about working at Winchester Social Services:
With your Child Welfare Stipend experience, you can rise through the ranks quickly here - an opportunity that other agencies are not able to offer. The smaller agency size means you get to learn a wide variety of positions in the child welfare spectrum and WDSS is flexible in helping you find the best fit for your skills and interests.
WDSS has some of the best statistics in the state for the work that we do. With several stipend students at WDSS, you have a built in support network!
~ Casey, Family Services Specialist III, IV-E Stipend recipient, former intern
WDSS has a supportive team that helps you through the difficult cases, and provides you with outside training opportunities beyond those of the VA DSS. Another huge benefit of working here is the strong career development plan.
~ Sam, WDSS Family Services Specialist III, former IV-E Stipend recipient
We're looking for motivated students who want to leave their mark! Apply today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for an internship at Winchester Social Services?
The first step in the process is to complete an application. Apply now.
How soon should I apply?
Interested students should apply at least two months, and at a minimum, one month before the semester starts. Your internship cannot begin until all necessary background checks are completed.
What kinds of things will I be doing in my internship?
You will observe, shadow and assist our trained Family Services Specialist working in Child Protective Services, Foster Care and Adoption and Adult Protective Services. You will experience a variety of casework activities. You will learn about agency data systems and documentation.
What are the requirements for my internship?
You will be required to complete a Criminal Background Check and a Child Protective Services history check.
We only accept internships through accredited colleges and universities. Internships must be related to your required course of study and you must be covered under your college or university’s liability policies.
Will my internship be paid?
Generally internships at Winchester Social Services are unpaid internships.
Is there a minimum number of internship hours required?
Yes, Winchester Social Services requires students to complete a minimum of 120 hours.
What day/hours are available?
Winchester Social Services business hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm. Most internship-related activities will occur during these days and hours.
Is there an age requirement?
Interns are required to be eighteen years of age or older.
Are there skill requirements?
Our most successful interns possess the following skills:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work with a diverse population
- Ability to work independently
- Good reading and writing skills
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Will I receive an interview for a potential placement?
Yes, it is important that you assess if an internship placement at Winchester Social Services is the right fit for you. We must also assess that you are a right fit for our organization. A meeting is a great opportunity for us to get to know each other.
Contacts
| Name | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| Rebecca Hopkins | rebecca.hopkins@dss.virginia.gov | 540-686-4823 |