Interns at the Family Care Network are typically college students needing to earn course credit for volunteering or individuals exploring a career in the field of social services. The Family Care Network offers the following internships:
- Direct-client contact internships: Students in academic fields such as Psychology, Social Science and Child Development often pursue the direct-client internship in which Interns work alongside Social Workers and In-Home Support Counselors to serve the needs of our clients and their families. They serve as short term mentors or tutors; work with siblings of clients who would not regularly receive services, offer additional support to parents/foster parents, assist with transportation needs and creatively help fill client needs according to each case plan.
- Non-client contact Internships: Individuals pursuing internships that do not usually include client contact can choose to work within our Human Resource Department, assist our Executive Assistant in maintaining our publications, or assist our Community Affairs Coordinator in developing and putting on agency fundraisers/special events or helping with public relations and recruitment efforts. Those pursuing these internships often come from majors or interests in Human Resources, Communication, Business, Journalism, Recreation and Event Planning.
The Family Care Network is also open to explore other types of internships - please contact us if you have another interest.
Application Process:
The safety and comfort of the children we serve is our priority, thus we have a thorough Intern screening process which includes:
- Interview
- References
- Criminal Background Check
- Health/Drug Screen
- Tuberculosis Test
- DMV Printout (Driving Record)
Training/Support:
The Family Care Network provides an extensive amount of training for interns; in fact, many interns have reported obtaining more training while with our agency than when employed with other organizations. Approximately the first 4 weeks are dedicated solely to training, familiarizing interns with agency programs, the system of social services, client information, and completion of the Internship Manual. Interns are also sent on an average of three "ride alongs" with In-Home Support Counselors to observe how staff members typically interact with the children and families they serve.
- Approximate hours of training: 65
- Ongoing Support: Intern Meetings, In-Home Counselor Support Meetings and Small groups, Weekly contact with each client’s assigned Social Worker/Case Manager
- Supervision: Interns are supervised by the FCNI Intern Supervisor as well as each Social Worker assigned to the Intern’s cases. FCNI also has Social Workers and In-Home Counselors on call 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
Benefits and Rewards:
The agency highly values internships – not only for the benefit that the children, families and staff receive, but also for the growth and exploration that interns are able to achieve throughout their experience. Some benefits Interns have reported include:
- Putting to practice what they have learned in the classroom
- Exploring the field of Social Service
- Discovering their strengths and which areas of the field they are most drawn to
- Determining aspects they do not enjoy and areas they can improve in
- Gaining insight from professionals
- Attending trainings that help in the field and interns' personal lives at no monetary cost.
- Building a stronger resume, gaining work experience and increasing job options
- Working in a supportive, open atmosphere where they are able to learn and grow
- Experiencing the satisfaction of giving to children and families in need
- Becoming more aware of the needs in the community
Approximately one half of all Family Care Network, Inc. Interns remain with the agency as either employees or volunteers. Those who do not remain are often able to receive strong recommendations for their future endeavors.
Contact
To make a difference in the life of a child or family by volunteering please contact Julie Wilson, Volunteer Coordinator, at (805) 781-3535 or Jwilson@fcni.org.
