ProBAR - UTRGV Social Worker Intern

The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded on a commitment to advance the rule of law in the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, conducting law school accreditation, developing model ethics codes and more. Today, the ABA remains a member-based organization that works to ensure access to justice for all, a fair legal process, and respect for the rule of law at home and across the globe.

The ABA is committed to service and refining the standards that guide the legal profession. ABA staff are provided multiple types of continuing education and career development opportunities. Your work will help eliminate bias, enhance diversity, and advance the rule of law throughout the US and around the world.

The ABA recognizes the value staff contribute to our success through a generous benefits package that protects their health and their financial security. The ABA's wide array of benefit offerings include 401(k), medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health spending accounts, supplemental life and disability insurance, prepaid legal programs, and a complimentary membership to the American Bar Association, which offers additional benefits.

ABA employees are eligible to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

The Organization ProBAR empowers immigrants through high-quality legal information, representation, and connections to services. ProBAR serves immigrants in the Rio Grande Valley and Houston regions with a particular focus on the legal needs of adults and unaccompanied children in federal custody. Founded in 1989 as a project of the American Bar Association, ProBAR's primary office is located in Harlingen, TX with a field office in Houston, TX. For more information about ProBAR, please visit our website: https://abaprobar.org/

Job Summary/General Purpose of Job

The Social Work Intern will engage in a structured, competency-based field education experience designed to integrate classroom learning with real-world practice. Under supervision, the intern will apply social work knowledge, values, and skills in a purposeful and professional manner to support individual and community well-being. Responsibilities will include participating in case management, conducting interviews, assisting with intakes and referrals, supporting client orientations, maintaining accurate documentation, and performing other direct, client-centered tasks. This internship provides meaningful opportunities to develop and demonstrate core social work competencies in a supervised setting.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Assist in conducting client assessments to identify social, developmental, emotional, economic, and other needs relevant to project goals.
• Document client interactions and interventions accurately in case files and appropriate case management systems.
• Maintains all records of duties performed and ensures the confidentiality of the data and its safekeeping, irrespective of storage media.
• Support client education by explaining best practices for safe resettlement of clients in the U.S., and, when needed, help clarify court procedures for clients released from detention.
• Deliver child-friendly, age-appropriate services, including social work support and legal orientations in settings such as classrooms, community spaces, or remotely. May assist in conducting legal screenings for referrals to pro bono legal counsel.
• Provides support to staff members on matters related to social work, individual/group counseling, psychoeducation, and case interventions.
• Evaluate the urgency of client situations, take appropriate action, or escalate to team members as needed; track pending matters and provide updates to relevant staff.
• Conduct research and develop training materials and/or written resources in support of assigned project(s).
• Assists in conducting outreach to community partners such as social services organizations and pro bono legal services organizations.
• Adhere to agency policies, professional standards, and ethical guidelines, including maintaining client confidentiality and compliance with follow-up and reporting requirements.
• Help brainstorm and advance assigned project(s).
• Contribute to the advancement of the organization's vision and goals.
• Adheres to ABA policies regarding code of conduct, professionalism, collaboration, and time tracking. Demonstrates expected behaviors
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Enrolled student pursuing a Bachelor or Master's Degree in Social Work with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
• Student must be in good standing with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
• Available to complete internship hours during the organization's office hours, which are Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM CST.
• Fluency in English and Spanish in both oral and written forms.
• Must have a driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Must have reliable internet and phone connection.

Preferred Qualifications

• A demonstrated commitment or interest in the provision of social services to the immigrant population in the United States with diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Proficiency in both Microsoft Office and Google tools and products.

Physical Requirements

This position involves working in various locations and settings, sometimes outside of a typical office environment. The position may require frequent visits to immigration detention facilities or other community sites and the ability to move around the facility grounds and walk distances from parking lot to facilities. Additionally, staff need to carry documentation materials, weighing up to 15 pounds for up to 15 minutes or more in temperatures that may exceed 90 degrees, with prolonged periods of sitting and standing, occasionally exposed to challenging environmental conditions, including but not limited to extreme heat, wet conditions, and high humidity. Comfortable working with a minimal set up, such as basic chair and table, and adaptable to different workspaces as required.

Extent of Travel Required in the Job

As a normal course of business, this job will typically require travel less than 15% of the time.

The Location

The internship arrangement is based in Harlingen, TX and will be performed in surrounding areas.

The Application Process Submit an online application including your cover letter and resume.

The Salary

This is an UNPAID internship.