Criminal Justice Internship - Summer​/Fall

Criminal Justice Internship - Summer/Fall 2026

Agency: 225 Corrections – Community Based Corrections – Des Moines

Job Number: 26-02250

Location:

Des Moines, 50314, Polk County, IA

Job Type: Internship

Opening Date: 02/19/2026

Closing Date: 03/31/2026 11:59 PM Central

The 5th District offers criminal‑justice internship opportunities for Summer and Fall 2026. Interns receive practical learning experiences within the community‑based corrections system, gaining exposure to probation and court operations, legal processes, and public service while supporting probation/ parole officers and district staff. These unpaid internships are designed to enhance knowledge of supervision processes, risk assessment, victim services, court procedures, and collaborative service‑delivery.

• Learn supervision processes of adult and/or juvenile clients
• Observe and conduct interviews and ongoing supervision meetings
• Monitor compliance with probation conditions, including employment, treatment, restitution, and community service
• Perform risk and needs assessments and help develop supervision plans
• Learn about victim services and the process of keeping victims safe
• Observe pre‑sentence investigations and reports for the court
• Maintain detailed case notes and accurate electronic records
• Collaborate with staff mentor, treatment providers, law enforcement, judges, and community agencies
• Address probation violations and learn how to write violation reports or court recommendations
• Attend court proceedings, trials, and hearings
• Refer clients to appropriate treatment, educational programs, or support services

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be currently enrolled at an accredited educational institution
• Preferred majors/coursework include 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 in a criminal justice environment

• Hours:
  
  Up to 20 hours per week (flexible based on student needs)
• Location:
  
  Des Moines or other agreed‑upon location (covers 16 counties)
• Start Date:
  
  May 2026 (Summer) or September 2026 (Fall)
• Pay:
  Unpaid (professional experience)
• Final date to receive applications:
  March 31, 2026 (Summer) or July 31, 2026 (Fall)

The State of Iowa participates in E‑Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of new hires. New hires will be verified within the required timeframe to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without mandatory union membership.

Applicants for this position 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.