Child Welfare Program Internship

Department of Human Services/DHS:

Lane County Service Delivery Area (SDA) 5.

The DHS is the state's health and human services agency, the largest department in state government. It employs approximately 9,500 people and operates with a budget of $8.5 billion during 2001-03. Working closely with a wide network of local partners, the department served more than 900,000 people in the state during 2001. The Department's mission is “helping people to become independent, health and safe.” DHS strategies aimed at accomplishing these goals include protecting vulnerable Oregonians from abuse and neglect, through child-protective services, foster care and adoption programs. Children, Adults and Families (CAF) includes the Child Welfare Program/CWP.

Sibling Visitation Program Coordinator

Position description:

Coordinate and facilitate visitation for sibling groups in separate foster placements; Drive siblings; Plan activities. Training and a helpful training manual are available.

Specific skills or experiences needed:

A willingness to participate with at-risk groups and individuals; Ability to work with children; Ability to drive a state vehicle (training available)

Time requirements:

Positions require a commitment of (preferably) 8+ hours per week and 2+ terms. Internships are offered fall, winter, spring, and summer terms. It is best if an intern can train with a “veteran” intern in this particular program. The next term that “new” intern becomes the “veteran” and trains a “new” intern. If the program can continue without breaks, the children have familiar adults in the program and do not miss seeing their siblings.

It is preferable to contact the organization at least 1-2 months before the time you wish to intern there. Because the placement process includes an interview and background check, it can take weeks.

Contact information:

Breeze Chanti, Social Service Specialist

<breeze.chanti@state.or.us>
1899 Willamette St
Eugene, OR 97401
11/2003