Internship Requirements

Overview

The Human Services Internship at Old Dominion University is the capstone experience for our undergraduate students. Each student completes a 400-hour, one-semester placement (fall, spring, or summer) in a community service setting aligned with their interests and location.

  • Direct Contact Hours (100 minimum): one-on-one, by phone, in a group, or shadowing a professional with a client.
  • Indirect Hours (remaining hours): administrative responsibilities, attending meetings, case notes, and other appropriate activities.
  • Volunteer Hours: up to 50 hours from the prerequisite HMSV 368 Volunteer Experience may be counted toward indirect hours.

Student Preparation

By the time they begin internship, students have completed their core Human Services coursework, including:

  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Human Services Methods
  • Diversity Issues in Human Services
  • Case Management & Crisis Intervention
  • Program Development, Implementation, & Funding
  • Psychoeducational Groups
  • Family Guidance
  • And additional applied coursework in substance abuse, crisis prevention & ethics, and other areas of practice

This means interns are ready for hands-on professional practice in human services settings.

Supervisor Responsibilities

As a Site Supervisor, you play a central role in the success of the internship. Supervisors must:

  • Hold a master’s degree in a related field OR a bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years of experience in human services.
  • Provide ongoing supervision, consultation, and evaluation of the intern’s performance.
  • Conduct at least one full hour of direct supervision per week, focusing on client interactions, professional behaviors, ethics, and diversity awareness.
  • Complete midterm and final evaluations of the intern.
  • Review and sign weekly logs to verify intern hours.

For full details about all roles and responsibilities, please see:

Site & Compliance Requirements

  • A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) must be in place between the agency and ODU before internship hours can begin.
    • The Internship Coordinator will provide a template MOU and assist with the process.
    • Once an MOU is signed, your agency will be added to our Agency Directory for students.
  • The Internship Agreement Form will be completed in signed by you in conjunction with the student. This form will be evaluated to ensure appropriate placement with relevant human services experiences available, and students must have this approved before proceeding with their internship.

Supervision Focus

Weekly supervision should address:

  • The intern’s interactions with clients and colleagues
  • Professional behaviors and interpersonal skills
  • Strengths, areas for growth, and goal-setting
  • Awareness of diversity, ethics, and legal issues in practice

Placement Locations

Interns are placed in:

  • The Norfolk / Hampton Roads area
  • Throughout Virginia
  • Across the United States and beyond, depending on student location

Students are expected to secure their own sites, with program staff providing guidance and resources.