Parenting Educator Unpaid Internship - Spring 2027

This is a non-merit, unpaid internship position. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.5th District, Department of Corrections is seeking highly motivated interns for a very rewarding internship as a Parent Educator. Interns will work 1:1 with staff mentors for training and online group facilitation with individuals who have criminal justice involvement (clients are not in jail or prison). Interns will gain hands-on experience in online, evidence-based parenting and trauma-informed education classes, group facilitation, and cognitive-behavioral practices. Please note that these internship opportunities are unpaid. Key Responsibilities• Group Facilitation: Observe and co-facilitate virtual groups focused on evidence-based, trauma-informed parenting practices with adults. Help reduce domestic violence, intergenerational transmission of abuse and system-involvement, and behavior change.

• Case Management & Intake: Review case files, conduct client intake interviews, and maintain detailed case notes in the electronic data system.
• Collaboration: Communicate client progress, referrals, and updates with Probation Officers, Health and Human Services (HHS), and community partners.
• Curriculum Development: Assist mentors in revising specialized parenting curricula aimed at reducing recidivism.
• Compliance: Manage group dynamics, ensure compliance with policies, and facilitate skills-practicing for behavior change.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age and have completed at least two years of college by the start of the internship
• Must be currently enrolled at an accredited educational institution
• Preferred majors/coursework include, but are not limited to, Child Development, Human Development & Family Studies, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, Psychology, Education, Counseling, Sociology, or Human Services.
• Child and human development knowledge, strong verbal/written communication, ability to multitask, and a professional demeanor.
• Understanding of child development, trauma-informed, evidence-based parenting practices, strict adherence to confidentiality, and comfort working within a criminal justice environment.
• Comfortable being in a criminal justice environment

Internship Details

• Hours: Flexible based on student needs
• Location: Des Moines
• Start Date: January 2027

E-Verify and Right to Work The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Applicants for positions in this class must be currently enrolled students in a degree program at an accredited educational institution, as determined by the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise. **NOTE: Applicants must attach a current unofficial transcript

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.