Masters of Social Work Internship Program
The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Middle District of Florida is pleased to partner with social work programs to provide meaningful field placement and educational experiences. We welcome students who wish to gain professional work experience in a federal defender setting and are happy to work with accredited social work programs so that students may receive course credit or fulfill field education requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Federal Defender Office?
The Federal Defender’s office is a branch of the U.S. Courts and operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. Section 3006A, to provide indigent defense services in federal criminal cases and related matters. In fulfilling this goal, the Federal Defender enforces the rights of those charged with criminal offenses who cannot afford to retain counsel. Social workers and mitigation specialists play a critical role in this mission by developing comprehensive psycho-social histories, identifying strengths and needs, connecting clients to resources, and assisting in the preparation of mitigation for sentencing and other proceedings.
Who May Apply?
MSW students of any year may apply for an internship, but preference will be given to advanced or second-year students. Students will be selected on the basis of their past work or school experiences, their desire to work in the area of criminal justice social work and mitigation, their demonstrated level of maturity and competence, and the level of commitment they are prepared to make to the Office’s work.
Only qualified applicants will be considered for this position. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or eligible to work in and for the United States. Applicants selected for interviews must travel at their own expense. This position is subject to a background investigation; therefore, the successful applicant will undergo a mandatory criminal background check investigation, which may include the completion of fingerprint checks. The Federal Defender’s office is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Do you provide accommodations?
The FDO provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please notify Human Resources at (813) 228-2715. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Where are internships available?
The Middle District of Florida has a limited number of placements in the Tampa and Orlando Divisions.
What are the application deadlines?
The deadlines to submit your request is the 1st day of the month for each of the following terms:
- Spring Semester: November
Is the orientation date mandatory?
Please understand if the student is accepted into a Summer, Fall, or Spring internship program, the start date/orientation training is mandatory. There will be no exceptions. Students who cannot attend may not participate in this program.
What's the time commitment?
All interns are expected to commit to work the specific number of hours per week agreed upon by the social work program and this Office. If working to gain work experience or field placement hours, the student will be asked to commit to the number of hours agreed upon by the assigned supervisor with this Office. The Federal Defender’s Office for the Middle District of Florida is open to the public between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for federal holidays.
What will an intern do?
Students will have the unique opportunity to receive hands-on experience supporting federal criminal defense through social work practices under the direct supervision of a licensed MSW employee or qualified mitigation specialist. All tasks and client-related activities are performed only under supervision and in accordance with the intern’s training and the Office’s policies. Interns may:
- Assist with psychosocial assessments and interviews with clients and collateral contacts (family, friends, teachers, employers, etc.).
- Help gather and summarize social history, medical, mental health, educational, and other records.
- Support the development of mitigation narratives and reports for sentencing, including identifying strengths, needs, trauma, and community resources.
- Assist with case management, resource connections, and supportive services.
- Accompany staff on visits to clients in local jail facilities (always escorted).
- Collaborate with the defense team on holistic strategies.
- Observe court proceedings, hearings, trials, and sentencing.
- Prepare draft written work products such as mitigation summaries (reviewed and approved by supervisors).
- Connect with community organizations and social services such as rehabilitation, inpatient and outpatient programs, housing services and other support services. Interns are not permitted to conduct any client contact, interviews, assessments, jail visits, or independent work without direct supervision.
Is an intern supervised/evaluated?
All interns are supervised by a licensed MSW employee or designated mitigation specialist assigned by the Federal Defender in the division they wish to serve. The supervising MSW professional is responsible for all day-to-day activities, task assignment, and oversight. Students will only be allowed in local jail facilities while escorted by authorized staff. Tasks will be assigned in accordance with the student’s skills and educational goals. Students will receive informal feedback and, if requested, a formal evaluation of their performance at the end of the term.
What should I wear?
Attire will always reflect the professionalism this organization aspires to. While no formal dress code exists and casual dress is permitted, all employees are expected to dress in a manner appropriate for the business of the office. Whenever an employee chooses to dress in a casual manner, the employee shall have available in the office attire appropriate for court or other needs which may arise unexpectedly. Every employee attending court proceedings will wear business attire and comply with any local rules of practice. The Internship Director and/or Intern Supervisors may direct the dress code for the business of the day.
Can I get compensated?
This is a non-paid position. The intern will not receive remuneration or compensation of any kind for services rendered to the Office of the Federal Defender. The intern will be responsible for parking arrangements at their own expense. In addition, this Office is not responsible for any personal property brought into the office or carried in any vehicle on official business. No payment will be made for property stolen from the official duty station or left unattended in any part of a motor vehicle while on official business.
Can I talk about what happens?
You can discuss your experiences with others, but you cannot divulge confidential communications or work product information. Client case files and records are confidential and not to be released without consent of this Office. Interns, like staff, are expected to make every effort to confine such discussions or communications to areas which can reasonably be expected to be private. All interns must adhere to strict confidentiality standards.
How to apply?
Fill out the internship application form here.