Organization Overview: 

Colorado Legal Services (CLS) is Colorado’s statewide nonprofit legal aid program, with thirteen offices providing civil legal assistance to low-income Coloradans. CLS provides free legal assistance in a broad variety of legal areas, including family law, public benefits, eviction defense, consumer protection, services to survivors of serious crime and human trafficking, and many others.

CLS has strengthened lives, assisted families, and supported communities–one person at a time for over 100 years. We are committed to providing high-quality, free legal advice and representation to eligible individuals throughout Colorado. We have a long history of successful impact and advocacy. CLS strives to bring about substantive, transformational change in the lives of those we serve. 

We value representation.

At CLS, we value and respect our staff's wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We ensure representation of our client communities in our staff, Board of Directors, and leadership teams. We also envision a fair, just, trusted, and harm reductionist legal system which emphasizes access to and implementation of true justice for every Coloradan.

Position Summary: 

The BSW or MSW Intern will support adults involved in the legal system by providing short-term case management, resource navigation, and emotional support. Working under a credentialed supervisor, the intern will help assess client needs, connect them with community services, and collaborate with legal teams to ensure comprehensive support. This role involves managing a small caseload, engaging clients in various settings, and building relationships with community partners. Other activities may include building community connections, assisting in developing and/or presenting trainings, program development, and evaluation.

Essential Duties: 

• Conduct interviews and relationship building with adult clients to assess legal, social, medical, psychological, and other needs to support their navigation of the legal system 

• Provide short-term advocacy and support, including referrals to community resources such as therapy, medical care, housing, public benefits, and social services 

• Collaborate with legal teams to identify client needs and coordinate tasks to support case resolution and resource connection 

• Meet clients in their homes, in the community or in court, as needed, to offer support and facilitate access to services 

• Manage an active caseload of 2 – 5 clients 

• Engage with community organizations to build partnerships and stay informed about available services

Required Qualifications: 

• Currently enrolled in a CSWE-accredited BSW or MSW program (foundation or concentration level)  

• Basic understanding of social work ethics and principles (especially NASW Code of Ethics) 

• Strong communication skills – verbal and written 

• Ability to engage diverse populations with cultural humility 

• Comfortable conducting one-on-one meetings including home visits 

• Empathy, active listening, and interpersonal skills 

• Ability to maintain confidentiality  

• Familiarity with trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, or case management 

• Willingness to learn from supervision and feedback 

• Organizational skills for documentation and case management tasks 

• Reliable transportation for community, home, and court visits 

• Must pass a criminal background check 

• Must be available during normal business hours, 8:30 am – 5 pm 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Previous volunteer or work experience in social services, counseling, or related fields 

• Bilingual or multilingual ability (especially in communities with diverse languages) 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Outlook and Teams 

• Knowledge of local resources

Compensation and Benefits: We cannot offer compensation or benefits to volunteer interns at this time, however, the position is open to receiving other work study funds that are student generated.

How to Apply: 

Please submit your resume and cover letter via the “Apply for This Job” link for this opening on our careers page. If you have questions about this position, contact Charlie Collop, Client Support Services Manager, at [email protected] .