Criminal Justice Internship - Summer/Fall 2026

Full Job Description

This is a non-merit internship position. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

The 5th District has exciting Criminal Justice internship opportunities for Summer and Fall 2026.

This role offers students practical learning opportunities within the community-based corrections system.

Interns will gain exposure to probation and court operations, legal processes, and public service while supporting Probation/Parole Officers and other district staff.

Please note that these internship opportunities are unpaid.

Key Responsibilities

• Learning supervision processes of adult and/or juvenile clients
• Observing and conducting interviews and ongoing supervision meetings
• Monitoring compliance with probation conditions, including employment, treatment, restitution, and community service
• Performing risk and needs assessments and helping develop supervision plans
• Learning about victim services and the process of keeping victims safe
• Observing pre-sentence investigations and reports for the court
• Maintaining detailed case notes and accurate electronic records
• Collaborating with staff mentor, treatment providers, law enforcement, judges, and community agencies
• Addressing probation violations and learning how to write violation reports or court recommendations
• Attending court proceedings, trials, and hearings
• Referring clients to appropriate treatment, educational programs, or support services

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, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, Law, Political Science, or Public Administration
• Professional demeanor and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently, multitask, and follow instructions
• Comfortable being in a criminal justice environment

Internship Details

• Hours: Up to 20 hours/week (Flexible based on student needs)
• Location: Des Moines or other agreed upon location (we cover 16 counties)
• Start Date: May 2026 (Summer Experience) or September 2026 (Fall Experience)
• Pay: Unpaid (professional experience)
• Application Deadline: March 31, 2026 (Summer Experience) or July 31, 2026 (Fall Experience)

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.