MSW Practicum Program.
At the St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund, we are proud to offer a paid practicum program for students in the St. Louis area who are pursuing a master of social work (MSW). We offer a hybrid work environment, and students are paid $18/hour. As a practicum student, you will work closely with CSF staff, our funded partner agencies, and community coalitions on projects that are tailored to your interests. This experience does not include direct work with children and families.
Qualifications.
These are recommended qualifications, but we recognize students’ experience levels are varied. Students committed to growth in these areas regardless of previous experience are encouraged to apply.
- Must be pursuing a master of social work (MSW). We prioritize concentration-level students as well as students most interested in future macro-level practice.
- Able to work 16-29 hours/week for one or two semesters (with priority given to two-semester students).
- Evidence of leadership and self-directed work.
- Enjoy working as part of a high-functioning team.
- Experience in project management.
- Experience with facilitating and coordinating meetings.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to be flexible, adaptive, and positive in a constantly changing environment.
Practicum student Barbra (second from right) joins CSF team members at an off-site volunteer day.
Practicum student Grace (left) and former CSF Chief Program Officer Paulette (right) meet with lawmakers at the state capitol for Missouri Child Advocacy Day.
About the Program.
These are some of the opportunities that are possible for a student; the final practicum experience will be developed with the student and the CSF practicum supervisor.
- Network and build relationships with key stakeholders (e.g., children’s mental health providers, social service organizations, and legislators). Assist in coordination and facilitation of meetings and events.
- Learn about CSF roles outside of the program team to learn how each department collaborates.
- Conduct research and develop formal recommendations such as: best practices for key service areas and the field of philanthropy, strategic engagement of historically underserved communities, school district engagement.
- Identify, explore, and advocate for social policy at the local, state, and federal level that impacts well-being, service delivery, and access to social services.
- Explore, participate, and share knowledge regarding practices that support and evolve diversity, inclusion, and equity.
- Assist with and help manage current projects such as funded partner agency visits, funding allocation processes, outcome and impact tracking.
Deadlines and How to Apply.
The annual deadline to apply for a fall practicum program is March 15. Decisions will be made by April 30. When available, the deadline to apply for a spring practicum is September 15.
If your school has a Handshake account, please apply on Handshake under the posting for “Master’s Level Social Work Practicum,” which can be found by searching for “St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund.”
If your school does not have a Handshake account, please submit your resume to Jenny Lynch at jl****@*************mo.gov, along with the following information:
- Is this a foundation or concentration practicum, and are you looking for one or two semesters?
- A practicum at CSF does not involve working directly with children and families. Does that work for you?
- What type of work and learning opportunities are you seeking from your next practicum experience?
Practicum student Shani (far left) joins the CSF team for a tour of BHR offices.
Wondering who you’ll be working with? Meet our staff and board members.