Welcome to the DCHS Internship Program webpage!

We are thrilled to see your interest in joining our team through the internship program. We aim to foster growth, nurture talent and create meaningful learning opportunities.

Our internship program provides hands-on learning and professional development while offering interns the opportunity to apply academic knowledge in a real-world setting. Interns will have the chance to work alongside experienced professionals to support individuals, families, and communities in need.

DCHS provides internship opportunities for enrolled students pursuing a Bachelor, Masters or Doctorate degree in various disciplines.

1. Client Interaction: Interns typically work directly with clients, assessing need, level of care, case management to address and helping them address various issues such as behavioral health, poverty, housing instability, substance use, and family dynamics. Interns may assist with assessments, case management, and/or connecting clients with resources in the community.
2. Supervision and Mentorship: Interns are guided throughout the internship and are paired with experienced professionals in their field of training and licensed providers when applicable to the internship. This relationship helps interns develop practical skills, navigate challenging situations, and ensure ethical practices.
3. Hands-On Learning: Interns gain practical experience in tasks such as conducting interviews, developing care plans, providing crisis intervention, and advocating for clients. They also participate in group therapy or community outreach programs, depending on the program's needs. Students with Mezzo and Macro level practice, the internship program is designed to provide practical experience in working with internal and external stakeholders to address systemic issues.
4. Community Engagement: Internships often involve connecting clients with community resources, such as food, shelters, healthcare providers, or legal aid. Interns may also engage in advocacy or policy work, helping to influence positive changes in the community.
5. Case Documentation: Interns learn how to document interactions with clients, maintain case files, and write reports, which are essential skills in the profession. They may also assist in researching policies that impact clients.
6. Cultural Competency and Ethical Practices: Interns are trained to provide culturally sensitive services and adhere to ethical guidelines in practice. Respect the dignity and autonomy of all individuals and handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
7. Workshops and Seminars: The department offers interns professional development activities like workshops, seminars, and conferences. These events provide interns with additional learning opportunities and insights into various practice topics and techniques.
8. Reflection and Evaluation: Interns are often required to participate in reflective practice sessions where they can discuss their experiences, challenges, and growth. They will receive evaluations from their supervisors, helping them identify strengths and areas for improvement.

We offer internships for students who are enrolled in the following program disciplines:

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship
Students enrolled in a Master's in Clinical Counseling program.

Criminal Justice
Students who are enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS) or Master's in Criminal Justice.

Marriage and Family Counseling
Students enrolled in an accredited Marriage and Family Counseling program leading to becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

Master of Public Health
Students enrolled in an accredited Master of Public Health program.

Social Work Internship
We offer internships for students enrolled and pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) and Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program.

Ph.D./Psy.D. Externships
We offer psychology training in community mental health. We serve a highly diverse community, and the available tracks provide opportunities to focus on, learn, and develop skills in unique areas while serving this diverse population. For more information and details please visit: alexandriava.gov/dchs/dchs-externships.

Interns have an opportunity to work in key areas with projects tailored to their academic focus and career goals.

Sample Program Areas

• Child Welfare Services
  • Child Protective Services (In-Take or In-Home & Prevention Services)
  • Foster Care
  • Adoption
  • Family Engagement
  • Resource (Foster Parent Support and Recruitment)
• Child and Family Behavioral Health Services
  • Community Outpatient Therapy
• Domestic Violence Program and Sexual Assault Center
• Adult Services
  • Behavioral health clinical placement
  • Case Management
• Older Adult Services
  • Older Adult Behavioral Health-Case Management Service
  • Behavioral health clinical placement
• Adult Protection Services
  • Case Management and Prevention Services
• Workforce Development Center
  • Assist adults, youth and people with disabilities in finding employment

Examples of Internship Work Duties

• Case management including real-world assessments and client-centered care planning.
• Therapeutic work assisting in therapy sessions and observing techniques in both individual and group settings under professional supervision.
• Work in residential settings.
• Community outreach, data analysis, program development and more.

Learn more about DCHS centers at the links below:

• Center for Adult Services
  • Older Adult Services
  • Adult Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Treatment, and Developmental Disabilities
• Center for Children and Families
  • Children, Youth, and Family Services
  • Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and LGBTQ+ Services
• Center for Economic Support
  • Benefits: Food, Healthcare, Utilities, Financial Assistance
  • Housing and Homeless Services
  • Employment and Job Training Hub

DATES
Applications are currently being accepted on a rolling basis.

LOCATION
Most internships are offered at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center at 4850 Mark Center Drive, with some opportunities provided in DCHS facilities across the City of Alexandria.

APPLICATIONS

To apply, complete and submit the  internship application. Be thorough in your responses and complete the questions in their entirety. 

All applications will be reviewed and acknowledged. Candidates who best match the needs of the programs will be contacted for an interview, which will include reference and background checks. DCHS will handle agreements with the school.

Thank you for your interest in the DCHS Internship Program. For questions, please email DCHSinternships@alexandriava.gov