Fall 2025/Spring 2026 - MSW Intern, Unlocking Potential

Who we are:

The Vera Institute of Justice is powered by hundreds of advocates, researchers, and policy experts working to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems until they’re fair for all. Founded in 1961 to advocate for alternatives to money bail in New York City, Vera is now a national organization that partners with impacted communities and government leaders for change. We develop just, antiracist solutions so that money doesn’t determine freedom; fewer people are in jails, prisons, and immigration detention; and everyone is treated with dignity. For more information, visit vera.org.

Vera has a staff of 240 people, is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York and has offices in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and New Orleans. We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity in the workplace. We expect our staff to embody respect, independence, collaboration, commitment, anti-racism, and equity—both in our outward-facing work and the internal culture of our workplace. We value a range of experiences in people’s educational backgrounds and encourage people who have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system to apply.

Who you are:

The MSW Intern will support the Unlocking Potential team’s efforts to expand access to postsecondary education in prison and drive effective programs that support successful re-entry for people leaving prison. The position includes opportunities to gain macro level social work skills, including but not limited to policy advocacy, teamwork, project management, presentations, facilitation, and research as well as gaining a broader understanding of the impact of national and state-level corrections systems and policies. The MSW Intern will be expected take on supportive tasks that may include notetaking, data entry, and be responsible for curating a bi-monthly news and resource digest distributed to colleges and corrections partners.

What you'll do:

• Be self-driven and engaged learner, willing to take on new learning opportunities that will enhance your ability to be a macro social worker


• Provide support to technical assistance providers, such as notetaking and literature research, to improve their ability to provide technical assistance to colleges and corrections agencies


• Provide support to related research projects and other program activities


• Curate a bi-monthly news and resource digest with the assistance of the communications manager


• Present on a subject matter of interest to internal and external partners

What qualifications are we looking for?

Required:

Current 2^nd year or advanced standing MSW student at an accredited MSW program of study with an advanced generalist focus=

Preferred:

Currently enrolled in a macro-focused MSW program

Location:

Please note this role will report to our Los Angeles, CA office. Vera interns and employees adhere to a hybrid schedule and are in-office on an alternating schedule. Full-time positions generally amount to 10 days per month. Part-time positions generally amount to 5 days per month.

Schedule:

The intern should be available to work up to 20 hours per week across the 2025 - 2026 academic year with some flexibility to accommodate personal and academic schedules.

Compensation:

Applicants will receive academic credit for the externship. Vera will gladly assist in working with the school or program to make arrangements and meet requirements.

How to apply:

Please submit cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, please explain why you are passionate about criminal justice reform and what you hope to gain from this internship.

Applications may also be faxed to:

ATTN: People Resources / Fall 2025/Spring 2026 - MSW Intern, Unlocking Potential
Vera Institute of Justice
34 35th St, Suite 4-2A, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Fax: (212) 941-9407
Please use only one method (online, mail or fax) of submission.
No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

In order to ensure a healthy and safe work environment, Vera Institute of Justice is requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccine before their start date. Employees who cannot receive the vaccine because of a disability/medical contraindication or sincerely-held religious belief may request an accommodation (e.g., an exemption) to this requirement.

Vera is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status. 

Vera works to advance justice, particularly racial justice, in an increasingly multicultural country and globally connected world. We value diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and justice system contact, and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission. 

For more information about Vera, please visit www.vera.org