Social Services Internships and Volunteer Opportunities

An intern smiling at the camera

Please check back often as we continue to add new opportunities.

Student Internships

Wake County Social Services partners with colleges and universities across North Carolina to offer unpaid internships for students pursuing degrees in a variety of fields.

Internships provide hands-on experience and allow students to earn academic credit required for their degree programs. Interns work under the supervision of qualified professionals who provide guidance and complete evaluations required by their academic institution.

Internship placements are coordinated through partnerships with participating colleges and universities. Students interested in an internship should first contact their college or university's field placement coordinator.

Eligibility Requirements

Students seeking an internship must:

  • Be actively pursuing a degree at a partner college or university
  • Submit an application by the required deadline
  • Meet any additional requirements for placements within the Child Welfare Division

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Partner Institutions

Students must be enrolled at one of Wake County Social Services' partner institutions to be considered for an internship placement.

Current partner institutions include:

  • East Carolina University – Human Development and Family Science, Social Work
  • North Carolina A&T State University – Social Work
  • North Carolina Central University – Social Work
  • North Carolina State University – Social Work
  • Shaw University – Social Work
  • University of North Carolina at Wilmington – Social Work
  • University of North Carolina at Pembroke – Social Work
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Social Work
  • University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Social Work, Gerontology
  • University of North Carolina at Greensboro – Social Work
  • Wake Technical Community College – Social and Human Services

Application Deadlines

Applications should be submitted by the deadlines below for consideration during each academic term. Applications received after these dates may be considered if internship placements remain available.

  • Spring semester: Oct. 15
  • Summer semester: March 15
  • Fall semester: June 15

Child Welfare Division Internships

Wake County Social Services is committed to preparing the next generation of child welfare professionals. Through hands-on learning opportunities, students gain practical experience supporting children, youth and families while working alongside experienced social workers and child welfare staff.

About the Program

The Child Welfare Division partners with colleges and universities across North Carolina to provide internship opportunities for Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) students. Interns develop professional skills, learn about child welfare practice and gain experience in a large and diverse public service agency.

Program Areas

Interns may be placed in:

  • Child Protective Services (CPS) Intake
  • CPS Investigations and Assessments
  • CPS In-Home Services
  • Permanency Planning
  • Adoptions
  • Prevention Services
  • LINKS Program
  • 18–21 Program

Eligibility Requirements

Students applying for a Child Welfare internship must:

  • Be enrolled at one of the department's partner institutions
  • Be enrolled in a BSW or MSW program
  • Participate in the NC Child Welfare Education Collaborative (CWEC), or complete North Carolina pre-service training and Wake County Child Welfare new hire orientation
  • Submit a personal background check completed through the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, as required by Session Law 2025-16
  • Be referred by their academic program
  • Complete an interview before acceptance
     

Students may also be required to provide a copy of their driver's license and proof of automobile insurance.

Application Materials

Applicants must submit the following through the internship application portal:

  • Letter of interest
  • Resume
  • School documentation outlining internship requirements and required hours
  • Three letters of recommendation, including academic, professional or community references

Shadowing Opportunities

Interested in exploring a career with Wake County Social Services? Shadowing offers students and adults considering a career change the opportunity to observe a staff member and learn about a specific role.

Shadowing experiences include up to eight hours of supervised observation.

To protect client privacy, participants will not have access to confidential information, client meetings or home visits.

Request a Shadowing Opportunity

Volunteering Opportunities

Looking for a way to give back to your community? Wake County Social Services offers volunteer opportunities that support children, families, older adults and other residents across Wake County.

Students under 18 should contact the program of interest to confirm age requirements.

  • Holiday Cheer: Matches children and seniors with community sponsors who provide meals, gifts and other support during the holiday season.
  • Warmth for Wake: Provides firewood and space heaters to residents in need during colder months.
  • Community Outreach Sponsorship Team (C.O.S.T): Coordinates donations for children, youth and families involved with the Child Welfare system. Call the Child Welfare Donation Line at 919-212-7444 for more information.
  • Cool for Wake: Provides free fans and air conditioning units to vulnerable residents who are adversely affected by extreme summer temperatures between May and September.
     

Many of these programs rely on financial and in-kind donations in addition to volunteer support. Donations can be made through the county's online giving portal. Select your preferred program in the “Types of Donations” drop-down box.

Make a donation

Opportunities in Other Wake County Departments

Several Wake County departments offer student internship experiences and volunteer programs. Explore other possibilities below.

Please note that each department administers its own internship and volunteer programs. Eligibility requirements, deadlines and prerequisites may differ from those of Social Services.

If you are under 18, please contact your program of interest to verify age requirements.

Internship Programs

Volunteer Programs

 

Contact Us

For questions about Social Services internships, shadowing or volunteer opportunities, contact:

Phone: 919-212-7084
Email: hhs.internships@wake.gov

Mail:
Wake County Health & Human Services
Internship/Volunteer Program
4401 Bland Road - MD110
Raleigh, NC 27609

Apply now