The Fredericksburg Department of Social Services provides comprehensive social services to
the Fredericksburg community to meet the basic needs of individuals and families and to
protect children and adults from abuse, neglect and exploitation. A student intern would
have the opportunity to learn about both eligibility and services.
Students interested in this internship should start the application process
approximately 3 months prior to the semester they intend to intern to allow sufficient
time for all paperwork to be processed.
Duties
- Shadowing case workers and, when able, working as a secondary worker on specific
cases in assisting with Family Services Specialist Cases (e.g., Child Protective
Services, Adult Protective Services, and Foster Care) - Taking notes while in the field then transferring information into the state computer
system. - Filing and maintaining paper files when requested by protective services staff
- Contributing and participating in case staffing with worker and supervisor.
- Contributing and participating in Service unit and team meetings.
- Working with a family on specific tasks as asked by the primary social worker such
as budgeting, parenting, grocery shopping (as qualified). - Attending and providing documentation of family/child visits.
- Conducting telephone interviews with community contacts for the purpose of
investigation and case management. - Attending PRIDE trainings (on Saturdays if available).
Pre-Requisites
Must meet all UMW and Department of Psychological Science internship requirements.
1. Required courses:
- PSYC 301 – Social Psychology
- PSYC 331 – Infant-Child Development or PSYC 332- Adolescent-Adult Development or PSYC 333 – Psychology of Aging
2. Recommended courses:
- PSYC 315- Foundations of Clinical Psychology
- PSYC 320 – Psychology of Exceptional Children and Youth
- SOCG 332- Introduction to Social Welfare
NOTE: All interns must pass a criminal background check, central registry check (for CPS), and
driving record check as well as sign a confidentiality agreement.
Assessment
- 42 hours of work per credit hour (most interns do 3 credits with 126 hours of work)
- Grade is based on on-campus supervision, agency evaluation, reflective journal, and a
final paper
Agency Contact
KT Bell
kathleen.bell@dss.virginia.gov
Phone: (540) 372-1032 x 259
Fredericksburg Social Services
608 Jackson St., Suite 100
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Web site: https://www.fredericksburgva.gov/index.aspx?NID=491