DCYF is a state agency focused on the well-being of children.
DCYF welcomes student interns and volunteers to help support the agency in giving every child, youth, and family the support they need.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I apply?
For Child Welfare Opportunities:
- Review FAQs
- Complete online application/questionnaire
For DCYF Opportunities other than Child Welfare
- Review FAQs
- Email dcyf.jobs@dcyf.wa.gov.
What is the role of a DCYF intern or volunteer?
All DCYF programs can benefit from interns, volunteers, and community organizations. They can increase the agency's capacity to serve their clients, help offices work on local priorities, and support staff.
A DCYF student intern or volunteer:
- Is registered as a student intern or volunteer with the goal of supporting DCYF
- Completes assigned or approved duties for the agency of their own free choice
- Is not paid
The student intern or volunteer is not a substitute for paid staff but enhances the services of the agency and shows community partnership. They may be paid back for things they buy that are necessary to complete their tasks.
What are the different types of programs I can support as an intern or volunteer?
DCYF Child Welfare has many programs to help children, youth, and families. These programs include:
- Child Protective Services (CPS) Investigations
- CPS Family Assessment Response (FAR)
- Family Voluntary Services (FVS)
- Child Family Welfare Services (CFWS)
- CFWS Adoptions
- CFWS Extended Foster Care
- CFWS Missing from Care: Engagement and recovery of youth under 18 that are on the run from foster care or relative care.
Do I need to complete and pass a background check?
Yes, every intern or volunteer must submit and pass a background check to work with vulnerable clients.
Once we’ve decided where you will intern or volunteer, you will be asked to submit an online background check. This can take up to two weeks to get the results. Your local child welfare supervisor will keep you informed. You will need to have PASS on your background check before you can intern or volunteer.
Who supervises interns and volunteers?
A paid DCYF staff person will supervise student interns/volunteers. This person will have all of the important background information and skills needed to guide and support the intern/volunteer so they can complete their assignment or learning opportunity.
What is the role of a volunteer driver?
Volunteer drivers take children to their family time visits and other places for treatment related needs. They are responsible for having a safe driving record, for following agency policies, and reporting directly to the regional or local office volunteer coordinator.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
For child welfare internships or volunteer opportunities, email dcyf.cwinternsvolunteers@dcyf.wa.gov.
For all other DCYF internships, email dcyf.jobs@dcyf.wa.gov.
