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Governor Mike Braun
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Opportunities for College Students

DCS recognizes the critical need to recruit and retain the best, brightest and most committed employees to work with at-risk families.

The BSW Child Welfare Scholars Program supports undergraduate social work students during their senior year through various educational opportunities and a range of funding options, up to the in-state tuition rate and/or a $4,000 annual stipend. During their built-in practicum with a DCS local office, Scholars will also gain hands-on experience working with children and families, while having the support of DCS staff and MSW professionals. DCS offers the Scholars employment as a family case manager within two months of graduation, if all program requirements are met.  

This program is currently available at the following Indiana universities: Ball State University, Indiana State University, the University of Southern Indiana, and Indiana University (Bloomington, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Northwest, South Bend).

For more information, please visit our Linktree or email DCSscholars@dcs.in.gov.

The MSW Child Welfare Scholars Program supports current DCS employees with at least two years of service who are pursuing a part-time Master of Social Work program at a partnering Indiana university. This program provides financial support for up to 36 months, including the full in-state tuition rate and up to $750 annually for textbook reimbursement. Scholars may be eligible to complete their employment-based practicum with DCS.

This program is currently available at the following Indiana universities: Ball State University, Indiana State University, and Indiana University (Bloomington, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Northwest, South Bend, Southeast, online MSW direct).

For more information, please visit our Linktree or email DCSscholars@dcs.in.gov.

DCS offers various internships and practicum opportunities for college students who have completed at least one year of post-secondary education. This program serves as a bridge between classroom studies and professional work for college students who are interested in participating in a structured job shadowing program and learning more about DCS. Internships and practicums seek to achieve set goals, provide opportunities for reflection, present a continual challenge to the student, and incorporate active learning, with the student as an active participant in all stages of the experience from planning to evaluation.  Interns may not perform any task or make any decision that may impact the safety and/or well-being of children. While the primary emphasis is on positions for attorneys and family case managers, opportunities may also be available in other areas, including communications, policy, finance, and more. We accept internships year-round, regardless of whether specific openings are immediately available. Interested candidates may apply at any time! As positions become available, we will review applications and match candidates with relevant opportunities. Apply here.

If you have any questions, feel free to email DCSInternships@dcs.IN.gov.

Every summer, the Department of Child Services participates in Governor’s Public Service Summer Internship program, administered by the State Personnel Department. This internship program was created in 1989 to introduce bright and motivated college students to the operations and officials of state government. This program provides interns the opportunity to work with state agency officials, as well as participate in a Speakers Series which feature various elected officials, state agency directors, and other government representatives. Students are encouraged to interact with one another regarding their varying experiences and to attend any meetings and forums throughout the Government Center complex that are open to the public and would enhance their summer experience. Governor’s Summer Interns spend at least 50 percent of their time on a predetermined project that enhances college-level skills and abilities.

For more information on the Governor’s Summer Internship program, and how to apply, visit SPD: Internships.