About Our Job

Denver Human Services offers a structured, unpaid experiential learning internship for college students enrolled in social work or related programs. This internship is an unpaid experience, and it does not replace any paid positions. This educational program is designed solely for student learning, academic observation, and professional development within Child Welfare. Instead of carrying out direct client responsibilities or handling caseloads, students will participate in an experiential learning environment that helps them understand how professionals support vulnerable children, adults, and families through observation, guided activities, and supervised skill-building.

What We Offer

All City and County of Denver emerging talent positions are supported by a trained hiring manager and encouraged to attend up to 4 sessions of professional development each season (Winter/Spring, Summer and Fall).

What You’ll Do

At Denver Human Services (DHS), we envision a healthy community where people are connected, supported, safe, and well. One in three people in Denver turn to DHS for support at all stages of life. Our employees help children, at-risk adults, families, and individuals navigate social and economic pressures by connecting them to services and experts who support their overall well-being.  

Denver Department of Human Services (DDHS) is offering students an opportunity to get a deeper understanding of the complex world of Child Welfare. Numerous teams within the Child Welfare Division work collaboratively to provide safety and resources to children, families, and our community. As a child welfare learner, students will have the opportunity to learn how DDHS’s social caseworkers assess for and ensure safety, while supporting children and families within the community. While much of this experience will be indirect learning experiences, the program has built on a few opportunities to observe social case workers directly interacting with clients in a virtual capacity. There will be one day that we will attend and observe caseworkers in person in court. Potential opportunities entail being able to observe child abuse and neglect hotline calls, assess community referrals of safety concerns (RED Team), observe court hearings and/or family team meetings, and have opportunities to speak with professionals within the different direct and supportive roles in Child Welfare, among other experiences. Learners will not be shadowing social case workers in the field (home visits) or providing direct client services. Students interested in shadowing social caseworkers with direct case contact should apply to the DDHS Social Work Field Placement Program.

Our ideal candidates will have passion and an interest in Child Welfare as a potential career choice. The requirements for this opportunity include that you are a student enrolled in an accredited university or college, are in good academic standing, can pass a background check, and are able to attend on the designated day/time selected for this learning opportunity.  

This internship does not involve completing tasks that replace, replicate, or supplement the responsibilities of paid employees. Interns will engage in observation, participate in educational experiences, and practice relevant skills only under direct supervision, for learning purposes.

This educational internship is unpaid and provides no benefits. The intern is not entitled to wages or other compensation. There is no guarantee of or entitlement to a paid employment position at the conclusion of the internship.

Program Structure & Values

• Term: 11 weeks from September 16th 2026 – December 2nd 2026
• Time Commitment: Wednesday afternoons from 12:00pm – 4:00pm
• Academic Credit: May qualify for college or academic credit.
• Academic Flexibility: Scheduling aligns university requirements and supervisor availability and can accommodate academic schedules and demands.
• Student Status Requirement: Must be currently enrolled as a student in a social work or related program.
• Diversity & Inclusion: In alignment with the City and County of Denver’s core values, students will observe and learn about equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) practices that support a diverse urban community.

What You’ll Bring

We value diversity of ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, sexual identity, gender, religion, language, ability, and experience and exemplify this through the makeup of our team at all levels. You'll be right at home here if you cultivate strong relationships and push yourself, your work,