MSW Internship (Phoenix & Tucson)

The Organization:
The Florence Project was founded in 1989 to respond to a representation crisis for indigent non-citizens detained at the rural Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detention Center in Florence, Arizona. Through our programs today, we provide services to thousands of adults, youth, and children detained in Eloy, Florence, Phoenix, and Tucson, Arizona on any given day. In 2001, the Florence Project implemented our Integrated Social Services Program, one of the first of its kind in this field. The Florence Project provides high quality legal and social services and supports initiatives for national changes in immigration law and policy. 

Position Description: 

The Integrated Social Services Program is seeking MSW students in either Tucson or Phoenix for placements with its Children’s or Adult Social Services Teams. Students will be supervised by the social services team but will also work with the legal team and others to meet the needs of clients and support their immigration cases.  The team can accommodate direct practice and macro students. Students will complete the following tasks with flexibility depending on the team they are placed with and requirements of their MSW program Learning Contract.   

Position Duties: 

• Conduct social services intakes with newly referred clients  

• Assist with providing case management 

• Resource Development in the community to meet client needs 

• Plan and implement client-centered events or trainings for staff on client-centered work based on intern interest or program requirements 

• Administrative duties such as maintaining case notes, reporting, etc.  

Requirements: 

• Must be able to pass a background check  

• Must be in an accredited MSW program  

• Must be proficient in Spanish  

• Commitment to immigrant rights, social justice, or human rights issues and ardent support of the Florence Project’s mission.  

• Ability to thrive in both independent and team-oriented, collaborative settings 

• Must be adaptable and driven, with strong interpersonal skills 

• Must be able to approach tasks with empathy and a high level of professionalism  

• Must be comfortable working with people with criminal convictions  

Preferred Requirements:  

• Preferred experience working with immigrant populations, trauma survivors or children. 

• Prior internship, regular or volunteer work experience in immigration rights, human rights, social services, or in a nonprofit setting is a plus. 

Compensation: Compensation is determined by the number of program hours completed and in alignment with field practicum hours. The hourly rate will be set at or above the local minimum wage.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands:

• This position requires regular travel to FIRRP offices in Phoenix or Tucson and community providers. There will be travel to detention centers in Florence and Eloy if placed with Adult Program. 

• Operate in a professional office environment and requires the ability to sit for long periods of time with intermittent walking, standing, bending, squatting, pulling and pushing.
  

• Ability to use standard office equipment such as scanners, computers, keyboards, phones, shredders, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. Requires the ability to lift up to ten pounds - accommodations may be available. 

• Travel regularly between offices and secondary work locations. 
  

• Effective September 1, 2021, FIRRP has implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy. To comply with this policy, active employees must be fully vaccinated by October 15, 2021. Employees seeking an exemption due to a medical condition or sincerely-held religious belief should contact our Human Resources Department at [email protected].    

Application Process:  

Candidates will be considered on an ongoing basis. To apply, complete the application, upload your resume and a cover letter which includes the opportunities you are interested in, the length of your commitment, your school, and year of school. Applicants will be interviewed virtually, or in person if possible.  The Florence Project values diversity in the workplace and strongly encourages applications from people of color, LGBTQ individuals, persons with disabilities and members of underrepresented communities.