Master of Social Work (MSW) Intern, Family Support

Get to know Thompson!

Thompson was founded in 1886 as an orphanage and has grown into an organization operating across the Carolinas, Florida Tennessee and Kentucky. Thompson’s continuum of care encompasses three domains: prevention, mental health services and foster care. All Thompson programs are trauma-informed and evidence-based/evidence-informed with the intention of building resilience in our clients (ages 0-18) and their families, both virtually and in person. Our values are Excellence, Innovation, Commitment, Caring and Integrity.

The MSW Intern will function as a generalist-level trainee within the Family Support Program, providing direct and indirect support to Family Education Specialists. The intern will gain foundational experience in family engagement, group facilitation, case management, and documentation while supporting evidence-based parenting programs, including:

• Triple P (Positive Parenting Program)
• Nurturing Parenting Program
• Active Parenting of Teens
• Circle of Parents
• Other classes or opportunities as needed

This role emphasizes developing competency in engagement, assessment, group facilitation, documentation, and ethical practice consistent with agency standards and CSWE competencies.

The intern will work under close supervision and will not carry an independent caseload but will gradually increase responsibility as competency is demonstrated.

Primary Learning Responsibilities

1. Recruitment & Engagement Support

• Assist Family Education Specialists with outreach and recruitment of families for parenting programs
• Support intake processes, including initial engagement, scheduling, and orientation participation
• Observe and practice engagement strategies that promote participation and retention
• Assist with community-based outreach efforts and events as appropriate

2. Program Implementation (Group-Based Services)

• Observe and co-facilitate parenting groups (Triple P, Nurturing Parenting, Active Parenting of Teens, Circle of Parents)
• Support preparation of curriculum materials and session logistics
• Assist in setting up group environments that are trauma-informed and family-centered
• Participate in group facilitation activities as appropriate to developmental level

Family Education programming focuses on evidence-based parenting education and skill building through structured group sessions 

3. Case Management Support

• Assist with tracking participant attendance, progress, and engagement
• Support follow-up with families to encourage retention and address barriers
• Observe case coordination practices including referrals and service linkage
• Participate in team  discussions regarding family progress and needs

Family Education services include support, linkage to community resources, and ongoing monitoring of client progress 

4. Documentation & Compliance

• Complete documentation training aligned with agency and funder requirements
• Shadow and assist with service notes, attendance logs, and progress tracking
• Practice writing documentation under supervision
• Ensure understanding of confidentiality, HIPAA, and ethical documentation standards

Family Education Specialists are responsible for accurate and timely documentation, including service notes and client records 

5. Professional Development & Supervision

• Participate in weekly individual supervision with MSW Field Instructor
• Attend team meetings, case review discussions, and trainings
• Complete assigned learning activities such as: 
  • Process recordings
  • Reflective journals
  • Case presentations
• Develop competencies      aligned with CSWE standards (engagement, assessment, intervention,      evaluation, ethics)

Interns are expected to demonstrate professionalism, time management, and adherence to agency policies and ethical standards 

Learning Goals (Aligned to CSWE Competencies)

The internship will provide opportunities to build competency in:

• Ethical and professional      behavior
• Engagement with      individuals and families
• Group facilitation and      intervention
• Basic assessment and      documentation
• Cultural humility and      family-centered practice
• Understanding of      systems, policy, and community resources

Supervision & Structure

• Weekly minimum 1 hour      supervision with MSW Field Instructor
• Additional group or team      supervision opportunities
• Gradual increase in      responsibilities based on demonstrated competency
• Clear distinction between intern and employee      responsibilities if applicable 

Qualifications

• Enrollment in an  accredited MSW program (1st year/generalist placement)
• Interest in family systems, parenting education, and community-based practice
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Willingness to learn evidence-based models and trauma-informed care approaches
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to professional standards

Preferred Skills/Experience

• Experience working with children, families, or group settings
• Familiarity with diverse populations and community-based services
• Basic writing and documentation skills

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to participate in in-person group settings
• May require travel to community sites or program locations
• Ability to engage in classroom/group facilitation environments

Key Distinctions for 1st-Year MSW Intern Role

• Observational and co-facilitation focus (not independent facilitation)
• No independent caseload
• Documentation completed under supervision
• Emphasis on learning vs. productivity expectations

Evaluation

Performance will be evaluated based on:

• Completion of required internship hours
• Demonstrated competency development
• Completion of learning assignments
• Professional conduct and engagement