State of Iowa - Executive Branch

Parent Educator Internship - Fall 2026

State of Iowa - Executive Branch  •  Des Moines, IA (Onsite)  •  1 hour ago
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Job Description

Posting number: 27-00113

Department: 225 Corrections - Community Based Corrections - Des Moines

Job classification: Administrative Intern

Posting type: Open

Categories: Internship

This is a non-merit internship position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

5th District, Department of Corrections is seeking highly motivated interns for a very rewarding internship as a Parent Educator. Interns will work 1:1 with staff mentors for training and online group facilitation with individuals who have criminal justice involvement (clients are not in jail or prison). Interns will gain hands-on experience in online, evidence-based parenting and trauma-informed education classes, group facilitation, and cognitive-behavioral practices. Please note that this internship opportunity is unpaid

Key Responsibilities

  • Group Facilitation: Observe and co-facilitate virtual groups focused on evidence-based, trauma-informed parenting practices with adults. Help reduce domestic violence, intergenerational transmission of abuse and system-involvement, and behavior change.
  • Case Management & Intake: Review case files, conduct client intake interviews, and maintain detailed case notes in the electronic data system.
  • Collaboration: Communicate client progress, referrals, and updates with Probation Officers, Health and Human Services (HHS), and community partners.
  • Curriculum Development: Assist mentors in revising specialized parenting curricula aimed at reducing recidivism.
  • Compliance: Manage group dynamics, ensure compliance with policies, and facilitate skills-practicing for behavior change.

Qualifications

  • Must be 18 years of age and have completed at least two years of college by the start of the internship
  • Must be currently enrolled at an accredited educational institution
  • Preferred majors/coursework include, but are not limited to, Child Development, Human Development & Family Studies, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, Psychology, Education, Counseling, Sociology, or Human Services.
  • Child and human development knowledge, strong verbal/written communication, ability to multitask, and a professional demeanor.
  • Understanding of child development, trauma-informed, evidence-based parenting practices, strict adherence to confidentiality, and comfort working within a criminal justice environment.
  • Comfortable being in a criminal justice environment

Internship Details

  • Hours: Flexible based on student needs
  • Location: Des Moines
  • Start Date: September 2026
  • Pay: Unpaid (professional experience)
  • Application Deadline: August 3, 2026

To apply, please submit a completed application via the Government Jobs website and attach a current resume and college transcripts.

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Qualifications

Applicants for positions in this class must be currently enrolled students in a degree program at an accredited educational institution, as determined by the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description

State of Iowa - Executive Branch

About State of Iowa - Executive Branch

If you’re looking for a work life of accomplishment, reward, and opportunity, you’ll discover Iowa State Government is just the place where there’s a rich and diverse population; where community, culture and differences matter; where exceptional work ethic, values and peace of mind all come together! The more you know about the State of Iowa, the more you’ll know it’s the right fit for you!

There are 16 agencies in state government providing services to Iowans requiring specialized talent in agriculture, corrections, economic development, education, human services, natural resources, public health, public safety, revenue, transportation, veterans’ services and more. In serving Iowans the state has adopted the guiding principles of business as a way of doing business and has embraced an entrepreneurial management concept in the way products and services are delivered. Entrepreneurial management is a customer-focused, efficient and innovative approach to delivering services in a competitive and diverse marketplace. Join a team that thinks differently – knowing diverse needs require diverse solutions.

Come to work for the State of Iowa!

Industry
Government & Public Safety
Company Size
1,001-5,000 employees
Headquarters
Unknown
Year Founded
1858
Website
iowa.gov
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