The Human Services Division's Master of Social Work (MSW) Internship Program offers students an enriching opportunity to learn about city government and the role macro social work plays in addressing the needs of Santa Monica residents.  MSW interns:

• Advocate on behalf of clients (children, teen & families; the disabled; homeless & low-income individuals; seniors, victims of domestic violence; etc.)
• Conduct research leading to policy development
• Conduct site visits and program evaluation of non-profit social service organizations
• Monitor grants and gain experience in grant writing
• Participate in community meetings and gain experience in community organizing
• Spearhead special projects such as the annual Big Blue Bus Tour of Westside Social Services Agencies

Applicants will be notified about the results of the interviews in late August 2007.

The Human Services Division supports a wide array of agencies--therefore, an intern will be exposed to a large variety of programs and populations.  In addition, interns are encouraged to find their niche of interest and can become involved in community meetings, a task force, or a Commission.  There are numerous opportunities for educational enrichment, such as City Council meetings, trainings on various topics, and volunteering within the community.

The City of Santa Monica is a wonderful place to develop macro skills, deepen understanding of the role of city government within a community, and witness macro social work practice in action!

SUPERVISION
Interns are supervised by a Senior Administrative Analyst (MSW) and will have opportunities to work with other Division Staff (several of whom either have their MSW degree or are former interns).   
 
PLACEMENT DAYS & OTHER IMPORTANT INFO
Interns typically work from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and alternate Fridays (the City of Santa Monica observes a 9/80 workweek with Human Services and several other offices at City Hall closed every other Friday).  Interns are based at City Hall (basic office setup is provided: desk, computer, phone, etc.), but may regularly travel offsite for field trips, site visits and community meetings.  Interns generally receive a parking permit at the Civic Auditorium next to City Hall.

HOW TO APPLY  
If you are going into your second year at a local university in a Master of Social Work program and are interested in fulfilling your internship with the City of Santa Monica, please contact the Field Instruction Office for your respective school. 

For more information, please contact Julie Taren, Senior Administrative Analyst at (310) 458-8701.

PAST INTERNS - WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Bjorn Knudsen ( 2006-07) Graduated from USC with his MSW in 2007, Bjorn is off to London.

Jessie Chauls (2005-06) Graduated from USC in 2006 with her MSW. She married and moved to Denver, Colorado.

Julia Brown (2004-05) - Graduated from USC with her MSW in 2005, Julia is now an Administrative Analyst for the City of Santa Monica's Human Services Division.

Sharon Kim (2003-04) - A 2004 graduate from USC with her MSW, proud new mom Sharon now resides in the Escondido area.

Lisa Tran (2002-03) - In 2003, Lisa graduated from USC with her MSW and Master’s in Public Administration (MPA).  Currently, Lisa is working as the Development Research Assistant for USC's Marshall School of Business.  Lisa plans to pursue a career as a professional fundraiser.

Setareh Yavari (2001-02) - After graduating from USC with her MSW in 2002, Setareh began her career with the City of Santa Monica and is now a Senior Administrative Analyst with the Human Services Division's Homeless Team.

Beverly Thompson (1999-2000)

Rhonda Juett (1998-99)

Myrna Reynosa (1997-98)

Anthony Rizzo (1997-1998)