We are looking for energetic students who are eager to learn to join our team of interns!
Internships with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) give students work experience and an opportunity to connect with other professionals in a real-work environment. DFPS offers internships state-wide across all programs, however the type of opportunities might vary based on the region.
Types of Internships
There are two types of internships at DFPS:
- Client-focused internships, where students work side-by-side with APS, CPS, and CPI caseworkers as they interact with families, investigate cases, and provide services.
- Support internships, where students work alongside office staff across different programs to complete high-level project-based assignments and research. Programs may include the Office of Faith-Based and Community Engagement, Legal, Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Division, State Office APS, CPS, CPI, PEI, and Internal Audit.
What divisions of DFPS can I intern with?
Internships may be available in the following offices:
- Faith-Based and Community Engagement
- Adult Protective Services
- Child Protective Services
- Child Care Investigations
- Special Investigations
- Prevention & Early Intervention
- Statewide Intake
- Human Trafficking Division***
- Information Technology
- Operational Support
- Workforce Development
- Finance
- Legal
- Internal Audit
- Internal Affairs
- Contract Oversight
- Data & Decision Support
- Project Coordination
- Purchased Client Services
- Communications
- Government Relations
- Media Relations
***If interested in interning with the Human Trafficking team, please send your resume and cover letter to Kathryn Houlton at kathryn.houlton@dfps.texas.gov
Required Skills
Interns need to exhibit the following skills:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work with a diverse population.
- Ability to work independently.
- Good reading and writing skills.
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
Additional Requirements and Information
- Generally, internships at DFPS are unpaid.
- Applicants must allow DFPS to conduct a criminal history and DFPS background check.
- Student interns who will have access to criminal history information are required to be fingerprinted for an FBI check. This costs around $15, and DFPS generally does not cover the cost.
- Some positions require a valid Texas driver’s license.
- Client-focused interns must be at least 18 years of age.
How To Apply
If you wish to apply for an internship, these are the steps in the application process:
- To get started, submit the online interest form along with your resume and cover letter.
- Staff will review your information and will contact you if they are interested in setting up an interview. All interns are interviewed either virtually or in-person.
- Selected candidates will be sent the DFPS volunteer application and confidentiality form to complete and sign electronically.
- Once forms have been received, staff will submit the required background checks.
- Upon receiving clearances, the student will be connected to their supervisor to set their start date and schedule any required trainings. Trainings vary based on the program area and type of internship.
