Undergraduate Internship in Human Services
(Formerly FCS Family Services)
HSL 4275 Internship is an individually-planned work experience in a business or agency appropriate to the chosen area of academic specialization.
The objectives of the internship are to 1) simulate a job search as you identify and secure an internship site appropriate to your professional goals, 2) provide a relevant professional experience equivalent to an entry-level position, and 3) allow for professional self-reflection.
In order to apply for HSL 4275 Internship you must have:
- completed either HSL 4200 or FCS 3500 with a C or better,
- be in good academic standing
- submit internship application by the due date (see below), and
- obtain approval from the Undergraduate Internship Coordinator and Human Services Department Chair
This pre-professional experience gives you the opportunity to put practical use of the knowledge and skills acquired as a student. It is expected that you will gain an understanding of the philosophy, organization, and “inner workings” of your site and become familiar with the roles, responsibilities, and limitations within your field of study.
Talk to your advisor about whether you will need to take the course for 3 credits (120 hours) or 6 credits (240 hours) before submitting your application.
Undergraduate Internship Coordinator: Mrs. Julie Harper, jrharper4@eiu.edu // Klehm Hall 2012 / Buzzard Hall 1102 // 217-581-7917
Dues dates for the undergraduate internship application (all paperwork will be submitted online):
- December 1st for Spring Internship
- April 20th for Summer Internship
- August 1st for Fall Internship
Upon approval of the internship application, you will be administratively added to the course. If you are not enrolled in HSL 4275 by the end of finals week the semester before you will complete your internship, contact Mrs. Julie Harper at jrharper4@eiu.edu for information.
You must also complete the EIU Undergraduate Internship Agreement Form, and review the Site Supervisor Information Sheet.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT INTERNSHIPS
- HSL 4275 is like a college class. You will begin the internship at your site on the start date of the section you chose and end the last date of the semester. There is a syllabus and several assignments for HSL 4275 throughout the semester. You will need to check your emails after being enrolled in the course every 24 hours.
- To be enrolled, you submit your application here (on this page). Once approved, Mrs. Harper will make sure that you get registered, but removing any financial holds are your responsibility. In other words, you will not register yourself as you do other classes, but you MUST submit the application and have it approved by the deadlines each semester.
- Do not wait until the last minute to submit your application. If you submit it early and it's rejected for whatever reason, you can revise and resubmit it. However, if you submit it on the day that it's due and it's rejected, you will need to wait until the next semester to apply.
- You must have your internship, a site supervisor, and an experiential learning activity planned BEFORE submitting your application. It's just as if you were applying and interviewing for a job. You submit the application here after you've been approved as an intern.
- Your site supervisor cannot be your current boss or supervisor for your paid work (though you can accepted paid internships). Your site supervisor must also not be a relative or, your internship cannot be at a facility that is your family or friend's business. Your site supervisor must be authorized by the company/organization to serve in this role. And, they must complete an internship agreement form before you start, as well as your mid-term and final evaluations as failure to comply could result in you not passing the class.
- Any international student who wishes to enroll in an internship, hours must work in tandem with the Office of International Students and Scholars. Current international students doing internships must be approved for Curriculum Practical Training (CPT). Students doing practicums after graduation must have Optional Practical Training (OPT). Without such approval, a student's immigration status can be lost.
Current Internship, Job, and Volunteer Opportunities
DCFS, After reading through the information, on their website, you can apply online or contact Audrey D. Reischauer, MSW Associate Director of Academic Partnerships, DCFS Office of Learning & Professional Development by email (audrey.d.reischauer@illinois.gov) or phone (217-782-3182).
Illinois Coalition for Community Services/Teen Reach, Contact Program Manager, Claude Magee at laude@iccscares.org.
- Need volunteers and interns for after school program (Currently needs volunteer staff, as well as volunteers to present on topics such as bullying for elementary and middle school students and confidence and coping for high school students). Contact Claude if you are interested.
- Occasionally hires tutors ($15/hour) for after school program (contact Claude to check for availability).
Mattoon YMCA, Contact Youth and Community Senior Program Director, Kiyla Devoll at kdevoss@mattoonymca.org. They are currently looking for interns.
- Need volunteers for the STEM literacy program and interns for the youth programming at the YMCA.
LifeLinks in Mattoon, IL. To provide support and education for individuals and family, to improve recovery, to reduce the chances of relapse, and to set goals for the future. For more information, please contact Generation 2 Generation.
Contact Cheryl Lee (Cheryl Lee@fit-2-serve.net).
AmeriCorp VISTAs! VISTAs will focus youth development through Stem programming.
- Approximate weekly gross wage - $235*
- End of service stipend options including:
- Education award or cash stipend
Contact: Cheryl Lee@fit-2-serve.net
CCAR Industries is taking interns and may have job openings for undergraduates or grads.
See their website or contact Chastity Parker, Director of Human Resources, at 217-348-0127 ext. 405 for more information.
Graduate students - Pediatric Interactions, Inc. was founded by a therapist in 2002 and continues to be managed by therapists to provide the best clinical support to families and the staff.
Contact information: info@pediatricinteractions.com or call 847-223-7433
Behavioral Perspective Inc. Join our team and make a difference in the life of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Contact Joy Henderson at jhenderson@bpiaba.com or 217-737-1833 or visit www.bpiaba.com/career to apply.
Full-time benefits include:
- Paid Holidays and birthday
- Paid Time Off
- Medical Insurance
- Professional development
Allendale Association. Interested in helping children, adolescents and families?
Contact James Walleck at jwalleck@allendale4kids.org or 847.245.6142 to be part of the great team.
Crosspoint Human Services. Crosspoint Human Services has openings for the following:
- Care Coordinator-Shelter
- Care Coordinator
- Mental Health Therapist
- School Based Mental Therapist
- Supervisor II-Recovery Services
Interested people should contact Sheryl L. Baumeister at 217.442.3200 Ext 133 or email slbaumeister@crosspointhumanservices.org. You can also send resume/application Crosspoint Human Services, Attn: Human Resources, 210 Avenue C, Danville, IL,61832. OR apply online at https://www.crosspointhumanservices.org/.
Central East Alcoholism and Drug Council. Employment and internship opportunities at CEAD Council. If you are interested in hearing more about open positions, please contact Judy Brown, Program Director at 217-348-8108 or send a letter of interest and resume to CEAD Council, 635 Division, Charleston, IL.61920, OR ceadjudyb@mycci.net.
Mercy Home in Chicago. Summer Internship at Mercy Home in Chicago. This is a residential home that serves at-risk youth. Intern will gain valuable experience with youth while supporting the academic enrichment, career preparation and post-secondary exposure programs for junior high and high school students.
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume by April 15 to Katie Keller Smith at katkel@mercyhome.org
The Douglas County Health Department is currently looking for interns for their summer food programs in Douglas and Edgar counties. Email Amanda Minor (amanda.minor@douglascountyil.com) and copy Summer Phillips (summer.phillips@douglascountyil.com) for more information.
Camp New Hope is a year-round recreational experience for those eight-years-old and above with developmental and physical disabilities. Volunteers opportunities are plentiful at Camp New Hope.
If interested in volunteering contact Camp New Hope at 217-895-2341 or email them at officemanager@campnewhopeillinois.org.
YouthWorks Summer Positions. Are you interested in being part of a dynamic ministry experience that set you up for the future or build a relationship that inspire and challenge you to grow? Then contact the recruiting team at recruiting@youthworks.com or 877.249.9904 or 612.729.5444
Touch of Nature Environmental Center. Now hiring Summer camp staff. Benefits include:
- On-site housing
- Stipend at $275 per week
- Education and Adventure
Attach resume and cover letter to Cassandra Roy at cassandra.roy@siu.edu.
Disney Career Internship Program. Students who participate in this internship have access to many different benefits that come with living around the Disney parks, housing at apartment complexes (equipped with pool and a game room, as well as mental health and relationship support programs). Students also have access to a student center where they can focus their course work. Rent is take from students checks. Disney is also flexible in creating schedules for students who need to work around EIU classes if needed. Interns are provided with uniforms and laundry access, and they receive free transportation to their work sites, shopping sites, the beach, and other local tourist attractions. Interns also receive discounts on lodging, merchandise, and food, including free access and guest passes to any of the Disney parks and water parks in their area. While working with Disney, student interns are treated as employees, so opportunities also exist for position advancements and pay increases, and some have reported working with celebrities.
The program is competitive, yet students can apply through www.disneycollegeprogram.com, and contact Dr. Mikki Sherwood for questions and guidance. Dr. Sherwood can be reached at mlsherwood@eiu.edu or by calling (217) 581-6374.
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois LSSI frequently hires their interns for Child Welfare Specialist positions after a successful completion of internship.
If you are interested or would like more information please e-mail, Evelyn Mancilla at Evelyn.Mancilla@lssi.org. Or contact the main office 708-771-7180 or email LCFS_info@lcfs.org
Charleston Transitional Facility provides residential, vocational, and developmental day programming services and support to individuals with developmental disabilities.
Contact Pam Price at 217-348-8798, ext. 123.
Big Brothers Big Sisters. "In a world of causes, we can make a difference by creating professionally supported, one-to-one matches for kids who want to realize their full potential." Being a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters is one of the most rewarding things you can do.
Contact Jill Schafer at 217-348-8741 or email volunteer@joinsomethingbig.org
Charleston Parks and Recreation. Provide skills, instruction and games that allow boys and girls to participate in a team-oriented sport to promote sportsmanship, cooperation, self-improvement, and self-esteem.
Call Brian Jones, Director at 217-345-6897
Brookstone Estates. Is an independent living community for senior citizens. Brookstone provides lively entertainment for seniors while still allowing the freedom of independent living. Volunteers needed to assist with bingo, game activities, arts and crafts, and other ongoing activities.
Contact Sierra Wickman at 217-348-6500 or email swickman@seniorlifestyle.com
Hilltop Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation. Is one of the regions most premiere skilled-nursing facilities. Hilltop is committed to meeting the needs of their residents, families, and community. Thier services include rehabilitation and long-term care.
Contact Sean Swaney, Activity Director at 217-345-7066
Sexual Assault Counseling & Information Service (SACIS). Provides crisis and on-going services to victims of sexual assault, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment. Volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks including: work on 24-hour crisis line, assist with elementary programs, advocacy, fundraising, and much more.
Contact Stephanie Anderson, Director of Volunteer Services at 217-348-5033 or email volunteer@sacis.org
HOPE of East Central Illinois (Coalition Against Domestic Violence). Is a private, non-profit domestic violence advocacy organization serving the counties of Coles, Clark, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Moultrie and Shelby. HOPE stands for housing, outreach, prevention and education.
Contact Angie Hunt at 217-348-8815
Catholic Charities - serving Coles, Douglas, and Edgar Counties. Catholic Charities agencies throughout the country are an integral part of the safety net that keeps people from utter destitution. They provide a continuum of services - food, clothing, housewares, medical equipment, and others - that give people a leg up when life has knocked them down.
Contact Amanda Honn at 217-235-0420 or email honn_matt@cc.dio.org
Heritage Woods of Charleston. An independent living community for active, retired seniors. Volunteers are needed to help run activities including bingo, exercises, movie nights, art classes, event planning, leadership opportunities, and marketing interest.
Contact Joyce Baker at 217-345-4900 or email resident.services@hw-charleston-slf.com
Villas of Holly Brook. Is a local assisted living and nursing home. Spend time inside engaging with seniors, learn about their lives, and help brighten their day. They are a family based and faith-based organization committed to providing life changing care for seniors in communities designed with a purpose.
Call 855-20-VILLA or email inquiry@villasofhollybrook.com
Coles County Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building materials, and appliances to the public at a fraction of the retail price. Volunteers are needed to help sort donations, stock, etc.
Contact Angela Reed at 217-348-7066
Choices Pregnancy and Health is here to listen and provide a safe space for women who might be facing an unplanned pregnancy. Choices provides: pregnancy testing, pregnancy options counseling, ultrasound, parenting classes, and material items assistance. We have four locations: Charleston, Mattoon, Paris and Casey. Volunteers are needed to help clean the building, sort and clean donations, light office work, as well as special projects. Volunteers may also be able to work with clients after they have gone thought the Client Advocate Training.
Contact Cali Rice at 217-345-5000 or email admin@choices4pregnancy.org
Fit-2-Serve is a local non-profit organization that is a catalyst for a stronger collaborative community through strengths, service, and relationships. We are specifically passionate about strengthening relational restoration through intergenerational learning, community gardening, and farm to table culinary classes. Fit-2-Serve is open to having college students serve as interns to support our mission to equip people for works of service.
Contact Bill Duey at 708-829-7324 or email bill.duey@fit-2-serve.net
Coles County Health Department. Volunteers are needed for office support tasks.
Contact Lee Ann Bryant, Health Educator at 217-348-0530
Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital. Volunteers are needed to assist employees and visitors in their day-to-day activities.
Contact Colleen Stoner ar 217-258-2500
If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Human Services Chair, Dr. Jill Bowers at jbowers2@eiu.edu
