Family Care Specialist Intern

Children's Home Society of Florida

Since opening our doors in 1902, CHS became a part of Florida's history. 

CHS has been committed to growing and evolving to provide the right services and solutions to address the needs of children and families throughout the changing times. Every day, our team works with parents and kids to empower them and encourage them. With innovative technology solutions and a dedicated, experienced team throughout the state, we’re changing the face of foster care and positively impacting children and families’ lives for generations to come.

Join our team to continue to do good and create history serving Florida's children and families!

Provides high quality care, education, and support services to youth and families through BRIDGES core services (Outreach, Engagement, Coordination of Services, Navigation, and Partnerships/Strategic alliances).

Core Internship Responsibilities

• Oversee and supervise children during workshops, seminars and events at the BRIDGES site or off-site

locations such as schools, community centers, and other partner locations.

• Engage in and supervise age-appropriate play activities.

• Provide positive reinforcement; implement trauma-informed behavior modification techniques as instructed or

trained.

• Support healthy childhood growth and development by ensuring all children and families have access to

educational and health services.

• Order and serve meals to youth and families during workshop and activities.

• Assist in strengthening parent-child interaction by teaching positive parenting skills and age-appropriate

discipline options.

• Assist with facilitating parent groups to enhance family functioning through identified strength-based strategies

to support family well-being and improve self-sufficiency.

• Engage families through outreach, home visits, phone calls or social media

• Assist and coordinate access to community resources on site or off site.

• Enter necessary information into HBDS or internal systems in a timely and accurate manner.

• Participate actively in site and function meetings, professional development, and the quality management

process.

• Directly transport, when necessary, or arrange for client transportation for activities.

• Create and maintain member case records, documenting activities as required by the contract and program

standards. This includes initial assessments, goal planning, progress notes, summaries, and other records.

• Pick up projects on the fly; perform other duties as assigned from time to time.

Professional Learning & Team Support

• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and reflective supervision opportunities

• Observe documentation practices and case coordination processes

• Assist with program activities and special projects as assigned

• Learn about community resources and services that support youth and families

• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical standards

Internship Learning Outcomes

• Foundational knowledge of child and adolescent development in a child development setting

• Understanding of trauma-informed care and behavior support strategies

• Professional communication and interpersonal skills

• Awareness of ethical responsibilities, including confidentiality and mandated reporting

• Hands-on experience in youth engagement and structured programming

• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills in real-world care environments

• Team collaboration skills within a human services setting

• Cultural responsiveness and inclusivity when working with diverse populations

Internship Schedule Guidelines

• Interns may work up to 20 hours per week

• Work schedules will be coordinated around academic commitments

• Interns will not be scheduled during university holidays, public holidays, or class times

Ideal Candidates

• Must be 21 and older

• Junior or senior students pursuing a degree in Social Work, Psychology, Child Development, Human Services, or related field

• Passion for working with youth and families

• Strong interest in learning within a system of care, child development, or direct care environment

• Demonstrates professionalism, reliability, and willingness to learn

All applicants are subject to background screening through the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). For more information, visit https://info.flclearinghouse.com

 Together, good can be done.