Kathryne Kozisek

Responsibilities

During my internship at DHS I follow a Social Worker 2 on a daily basis. I assist on home visits, court hearings, and family team meetings. I also assist with catching Social Worker 2's up on their filing, updating and closing them out. I completed social history with clients, and filled out referrals for services. I also attending many trainings pertaining to child welfare.

Accomplishments

My greatest accomplishment from my experience is learning the different roles of social work and all the factors that contribute to one case. Along with that, I was able to obtain a job as a Social Worker 2 immediately following my graduation, which is something that doesn't happen within the department.

What advice would you give?

My advice to future students is to advocate for yourself. DHS was my dream internship, but they are very busy people who have more to worry about than an intern. When I didn't hear back in a week, I sent another email. I might have felt like I was being a burden, but if I wouldn't have kept pushing I might not have even started my internship. When it came to applying for the job, they didn't score me for my education because they thought I wasn't graduating until the following year. I went to the hiring manager and asked to pull my resume, to clarify that I was indeed graduating at the end of my internship. If I wouldn't have advocated for myself and checked up I wouldn't have been offered even an interview, let alone a job. Also, what you wear in an interview, DOES matter. While interviewing people at DHS, they mentioned how people were dressed. Agencies will find any reason not to hire you, so try not to give them one.