The Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) considers all applications for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status under federal law. In addition, CWLA complies with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment. We also provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with a disability in accordance with applicable laws.
INTERNSHIPS
EDITORIAL INTERNSHIPS
Editorial interns work in CWLA’s publications department and report to the Editor. Interns assist with our magazine, Children’s Voice, academic journal, Child Welfare, books, and other publications. In addition to getting hands-on experience across the publications department, the intern will research and write articles for Children’s Voice. This is a great opportunity for students who already have some communications experience but are looking to have a solid writing piece published.
Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills are necessary. The ideal candidate will be a junior or senior undergraduate student with an interest in editing. Familiarity with APA Style is a plus. Editorial internships are available throughout the year. If you are interested in applying for an internship, please click the link below and include two published writing samples.
GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERNSHIPS
Graphic design interns work in CWLA’s publications department and report to the Art Director. The internships involve design and layout work for printed pieces and electronic media based on criteria from internal customers and/or previously developed materials. Design work includes advertisements, brochures, marketing pieces and website edits. Knowledge of Macintosh platform, hardware and software is necessary, including experience with QuarkXpress and the Adobe creative suite. Basic HTML experience is also needed. The internships are available throughout the year. If you are interested in applying for an internship, please click the link below and include two pdf design samples.
COMMUNICATIONS INTERNSHIPS
Communications interns work with the Government Affairs team to support communications efforts related to our federal policy agenda. College students with a concentration in communications, journalism, public relations, digital and social media and some interest in children’s advocacy and/or federal advocacy are encouraged to apply. Tasks include media pitching, researching ideas, and writing posts for the Children’s Monitor, CWLA’s advocacy newsletter; supporting digital advocacy activities; copy editing and formatting documents; special events assistance and support; and other duties as assigned. Knowledge and interest in policy that supports children and families, strong communication skills (written and verbal), and strong familiarity with social media and third-party digital advocacy tools are preferred. Communications internships are available throughout the year. If you are interested in applying for an internship, please click the link below.
PUBLIC POLICY INTERNSHIPS
Public policy interns work as part of the CWLA Government Affairs team under the direction of the Unit Director, on policy analysis, research, and other support for our legislative agenda. Tasks furthering our legislative agenda include attending Congressional hearings, markups, forums, briefings, and coalition meetings; writing articles for our weekly e-newsletter Children’s Monitor; and preparing fact sheets and informational documents for our annual conference. Some interns may take on special projects. If applicable, applicants should indicate their interest in such projects in their cover letter, with the understanding that special project opportunities may not always be available. Internships are available throughout the year with a minimum of 10 weeks per semester.
Fall semester starts in late August and ends in early to mid December
Spring semester starts in January and ends in early May
Summer semester starts in mid ot late May and ends in August
Remote internships are not currently being considered. Public policy interns will work from our headquarters office in Washington, DC. If you are interested in applying for an internship, please click the link below.
PRACTICE EXCELLENCE INTERNSHIPS
Practice Excellence interns primarily help with CWLA’s Standards of Excellence for Child Welfare Services and report to the Vice President, Practice Excellence. Tasks include researching a particular topic or program area to identify evidence-based programs and practices or key research related to the topic area; for example, the latest brain development research. Tasks might also include pulling together resources for fact sheets, Children’s Voice articles, website updates, or presentations. At times, interns help with meeting logistics and are present at those meetings. At other times, they assist with topical Advisory Committees, composed of leaders in the field who inform the Standards of Excellence for Child Welfare Services. Interns are also given the opportunity to attend Congressional hearings and briefings on relevant topic areas.
Fall semester starts in late August and ends in early to mid December
Spring semester starts in January and ends in early May
Summer semester starts in mid ot late May and ends in August
We are open to internships with different timeframes, but they must be for a minimum of 6 weeks.
If you are interested in applying for an internship, please click the link below.
TRAINING AND MODELS OF PRACTICE INTERNSHIPS
CWLA Training and Models of Practice interns assist with development and management of models of practice and training programs promulgated by CWLA and report to the Director of Training and Implementation. Interns will learn curriculum design, development and implementation skills. Examples of tasks include assisting with curriculum development by conducting literature reviews to identify evidence of best practices in areas addressed in curricula, assisting in field testing and evaluation of training programs, and assisting in managing logistics of scheduling and implementing training programs. Interns also participate in strategic planning activities for the models of practice and training section of CWLA. If you are interested in applying for an internship, please click the link below.
EMPLOYMENT
CAREER CENTER
Looking for employment with CWLA or in the child welfare field? The CWLA Career Center is a helpful resource for finding opportunities nationwide.