WHitney Minnehan

Major: Child, Adult, and Family Services
Minor/option/emphasis: CHFS-Youth Programs
Company/Organization: Department of Human Services
Company/Organization website: https://dhs.iowa.gov/
Destination: Carroll, Iowa
Timeframe: Spring
Advisor/Coordinator Email: enloe@iastate.edu

Responsibilities

Filing case notes and other case documents, recording notes at visits and typing them up for case files, attending child and parent visits, family team decision meetings and various other meetings with social workers. Reviewing past cases and learning about changes that have been made in legislation when it comes to child welfare services.

Accomplishments

My confidence has grown since starting this internship. Although I have not been able to go on any visits since before spring break, I am more confident in asking questions to clients during visits and I feel like iI know better what is expected from each visit and can ask clients questions pertaining to these goals without being coached or prompted by the social worker I am shadowing.

What advice would you give?

Don't be scared to go into the homes of clients and talk to them. Ask as many questions of the social workers and supervisors you have and if you feel you need more responsibility or more to do during your internshp, ask for it!

Career Connections