About the role#
ArchCity Defenders offers a social work practicum that sits at the intersection of law and social services. You will join a team of attorneys, paralegals, and social workers to provide holistic advocacy for clients. This role focuses on addressing the causes and consequences of poverty and legal system involvement. You will support clients as they navigate individual goals and work toward community empowerment.
What you'll do#
- Conduct intakes and bio-psycho-social assessments.
- Provide trauma-informed case management, including support for housing, public benefits, and transportation.
- Strategize with your field instructor, attorneys, and social workers to develop and execute client case plans.
- Offer crisis intervention, psychoeducation, and empathetic support to clients and their families.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation for agency requirements.
- Identify client barriers and help develop solutions.
- Create and update a list of support resources for clients.
- Build and maintain relationships with community partners.
- Participate in mezzo- and macro-level social work projects.
What you'll need#
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience researching programs and resources for clients.
- A detail-oriented approach to working within a team.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing organizational needs.
- A firm commitment to racial and economic justice.
- Cultural awareness and an understanding of power, privilege, and oppression.
- Knowledge of the criminal legal system or homelessness, or a strong desire to learn about these issues.
- The ability to maintain professional client boundaries.
Location & details#
- This is a paid, part-time position for the Winter 2027 term.
- The role is based on-site in St. Louis, Missouri.
- You must be able to commit to 8 to 12 weeks of work.
- We cannot accept interns who are simultaneously engaged in another internship.
About ArchCity Defenders
ArchCity Defenders is a legal advocacy organization based in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 2009, the group provides civil and criminal legal representation alongside social services. It focuses on addressing the criminalization of poverty and state violence in communities of color. The organization employs a holistic model that integrates legal work with policy and media advocacy.
How to get in at ArchCity Defenders
Applying to ArchCity Defenders requires a clear understanding of their focus on civil rights and systemic advocacy. Because roles in public interest law are competitive, Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a position is published so you can apply among the first. Getting your application in early ensures your materials are reviewed before the volume of candidates grows too large. You can also use Intern Insider to surface the recruiters behind these roles to reach out directly. Asking a thoughtful question about the organization or requesting a referral often improves your response rate compared to submitting a cold application through a general queue.
