CCJS Internships

Last Updated: 2013-05-07

• Things to know about an internship
• Finding a placement
• Internship (CCJS 499) course requirements
• Writing in your internship journal

Things to know about an internship

There are various important things to know about an internship:

1. Students can NOT add CCJS 499 to their own schedule. Students must fill out the Internship Agreement form to have CCJS 499 added to their schedule. During Fall 2013 semester the internship agreement form should be submitted to Professor Jackson before the end of add/drop. First you have to find an internship. Don't wait until the last minute to begin your search. Please fill out the Prospective Intern Form to let Professor Jackson know of your internship interests. Failure to complete this form may make it very difficult for you to find an internship.
2. Apply for a Delphine Newman Internship Scholarship Application. You MUST attach a personal narrative for your application to be considered. There is a priority Deadline and a Final Deadline (in Spring 2013 it was February 8, 2013) for these.
3. Internship Registration. If you have submitted a CCJS 499 Internship Agreement form to Professor Jackson, CCJS 499 will be added to your schedule by the Fall 2013 census date.
4. Students with TBAs (seeking CCJS internships) should be working with Professor Jackson to find an internship.
5. Under the usual circumstances, you may need to set up an internship well in advance of the semester if you wish to finish it the same semester you enroll for it.
6. You need to have an internship agreement form signed by all parties BEFORE beginning your internship hours (this includes your CCJS faculty supervisor).
7. If you do not complete your internship the semester you begin it, it should be completed within a year of the time an incomplete is assigned.
8. You need to familiarize yourself with the CCJS Internship Course Requirements (see below)

Find a placement (START EARLY!)

You can find an internship in a variety of places and ways. 

• You may approach an organization that you would like to work with and develop an internship on your own. You are not restricted to the people or agencies noted below.
• Register with the county internship program. This is the only way you can find out about internships in Sonoma County Probation or the Coroner's Office and perhaps others. To do this you must go to the Human Relations web site in Sonoma County and register as though you were looking for a job. You then look at potential internships that are available at http://www.jobaps.com/sonoma/sup/images/default.asp. Examine jobs OR internships that interest you and then request to be emailed when something becomes available.
  
• Check the CCJS web page list of jobs and internship resources at this link.
  
• You can write to ( ).
  
• You can check out the list of agencies found in the Sonoma County Profile of Criminal and Civil Justice Agencies for other agencies and contact information for them. Here is a link for Sonoma County Agencies in general created by county civil servants and the Volunteer Center of Sonoma County.

Here are specific opportunities available for CCJS majors and minors (please let us know of errors, additions or updates); some of these are also described again further below:

• YWCA needs interns in several capacities; see this link. Contact Misty Bastoni, Volunteer Coordinator, 707-303-8401, mbastoni@ywcasc.org. Their trainings begin in July but you need to have your intern paperwork completed before then. See their flyer at this link. For other YWCA needs see below. Look at these photos from the Clothesline Project as they appeared on Oct. 3, 2012 at SSU: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7.
  
  
• As of 4.17.13, SSU Police Services, a long time supporter of the CCJS intern program, is accepting applications for interns. Please direct all questions to Intern coordinator Karl Mortenson at: mortenso@sonoma.edu, phone: 707.664.4444.
  

  Intern Duties: patrol the University Campus on foot and perform a variety of general duties.
  Hours are flexible; interns are needed both for day and nighttime assignments.
  Interns are immediately supervised by the shift sergeant or senior corporal/officer.
  The overall intern program supervision is provided by the internship coordinator.
  Desired qualities: Ability to read and write as a level appropriate to the duties of the position.
  Ability to observe potentially hazardous conditions or activities.
  Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
  Ability to work independently and make sound judgments.
  Ability to maintain cooperative working relationships.

• Sonoma County Sheriff's Department. Fill out the application located here and email it to Lt. Dave House. See more below.
  
• BI Inc. needs an intern (they sometimes have jobs too!) in Santa Rosa or Napa. E-mail your resume to Amanda Owens.
• Sonoma County Fire and Emergency Services internships. Firefighting and other possibilities are located there.
• Kid Street Learning Center Charter School needs CCJS interns during Fall 2013. It is in the Railroad Square area of Santa Rosa. This school serves students who live in homeless shelters, children’s shelters, have parents who are currently in and out of incarceration or currently in rehab and have witnessed or been victim to physical, emotional or sexual abuse. The interns would work with nonviolent kids between the ages of 14 to 18 who are court referred and who are there to do community service. This is an after school program that meets five days a week and hours for interns are flexible. For more information contact someone at 707.525.9223 at the Kid Street Learning Center.
• Intern in solo private attorney's office. Description: Assist in all aspects of running solo private criminal defense practice, including assisting in trials and hearings, preparing statements of facts, reviewing case documents, general legal office work, etc. Intern duties: Discovery requests, case review, motion drafting, possible case investigation, assisting in all aspects of solo criminal defense practice. Desired qualities: Ability to work in non-traditional solo practice, often without micro-supervision. Humility to perform all aspects of running a solo practice. Must get along well with all types of people and be ready to work. Valid CADL required. Length: flexible. Hours week: Flexible. Population served: Persons accused of crimes runs the gamut of race, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, etc. This attorney would like assistance at court, so there will be significant shadowing and in court experience. To apply: send a cover letter and resume to: Heather Burke, Attorney at law, email: hburkelegal@gmail.com, phone: 707.820.7408, Fax: 707.820.8282.
  
  
• Contact Professor Jackson about internships in a local Police Department. If you have already completed the Prospective Intern Form you have already received an email about them at your SSU email address. If you don't complete the form, you won't learn about them.
  
  
• Fairfield Police Department, Solano County. Find further information via this link: Fairfield Police Student Internship Program. However, if you are strongly interested in policing and this particular location works for you contact Professor Jackson directly.
  
  
• Loryx Systems, located in So. San Francisco, collects data about probation, parole, pretrial, unsupervised (court probation) and alternatives to incarceration programs throughout the USA. It deals with software application support in the criminal justice system. The intern will do web research as well as phone contact to obtain various details (supervision populations, special programs, current systems, administrative contacts, etc.). For further information contact CCJS alumni Kevin Griffin, Loryx Systems, Inc., Phone: 650.872.5000 x114 or email him at: keving@loryxsystems.com.
  
  
• Verity, previously known as United Against Sexual Assault (UASA), needs interns. Here's their Spring 2013 flyer for volunteers and another with their training information. Here a link to an application. Look at each. Email them at this address. You will need to attend a training--if you miss it you're out of luck for a semester. They need men and women. For more information and to sign up email and call the Prevention Education Manager at 707-545-7270 x.13.
  
  
• Sonoma County Probation Department. Opening now available. For information you must register with the Human Relations web site (as noted above) and then go to http://www.jobaps.com/sonoma/sup/images/default.asp. When internships become available they will email you.
  
  
• San Francisco Adult Probation Department needs interns: CCJS students complete both the application and background form.
  
  
• The Forget Me Not Farm Children's Services Program may have openings for interns and/or intern/mentors. See Professor Jackson or below.
  
  
• Federal Probation, located in Santa Rosa or Oakland, may have a need for interns. Contact them directly or Prof. Jackson if you are interested.
  
  
• YWCA Sonoma County. There are needs in a variety of areas, including Domestic Violence Services Program, at their hotline and confidential women's shelter. They are willing to work closely with interns for specific areas of interest, although many positions require interns to attend their domestic violence training that happens three times a year. Call Misty, the YWCA Volunteer Coordinator, at her direct line (707 303 8401). Their latest flyer in PDF may be helpful to you. Note: CCJS interns have played an important role in developing this internship.
  
  
• California Youth Outreach, City of Santa Rosa. C. Y. O. City of Santa Rosa. Office Location: 69 Carillo St., Santa Rosa, CA Phone: (707) 843-5564. Ask for: Gustavo Mendoza.
  
  
• Sierra School of Sonoma County often has intern openings. Phone: 707-591-0716. Web: www.sierra-school.com.
  
  
• Legal Aid of Sonoma County (LASC) may need interns for Fall 2013. Bilingual speakers welcome. LASC is located in downtown Santa Rosa but they have expanded to the Family Justice Center. Contact: Ronit Rubinoff at


• The Mendocino County Probation Department may need interns. Interns experience different aspects of probation, get a chance to experience juvenile hall as well as juvenile and adult probation. They will observe and learn about the court process, report writing, field supervision, drug court, placement and our probation school collaborative. Internship work involves everything from filing and paperwork to observing and assisting probation officers with interviews, supervision and court work. Mendocino likes to give interns a chance to experience all aspects of probation to see if it is the type of work they would like to chose for a career. When they have finished their internship they should understand the role of probation within the court, the responsibilities to monitor behavior and compliance with court orders, protect the community and encourage and direct probationers to make positive change. We have a flexible schedule but ask to know in advance to prepare training. Residence near Ukiah would be helpful although it is not required. Contact Jean Glentzer at 707.463.5750.
  
  
• Romelli Bail Bonds might have an opening. See their flyer. Apply by sending Marie Miller your resume as an attachment at marie@romellibailbonds.com. You must have a valid drivers license and pass a background check.
  
  
• Healdsburg Police Department. This department has a page that provides an intern contact. Apply very early. As they note: "College Intern: The Healdsburg Police Department offers two College Intern positions each year. The participating colleges are Santa Rosa Junior College and Sonoma State University. Each year we assist two students with their college credits by allowing them to work at the Police Department in a variety of assignments. This allows the student an opportunity to see what it is like to work in law enforcement. Students who are interested in applying for an intern position should contact Sgt. Jenkins at (707) 431-3163."
  
  
• U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Contact Brook Robinson at BARobinson2@uspis.gov. They ask that the students have already completed 60 credits, can work at least 10 hours a week. Their area offices are in Richmond, Oakland, San Francisco, Stockton, Sacramento and San Jose. You must go through a background check, fingerprinting and drug testing. See their lengthy policy and forms at this link.
  
  
• Various Sonoma County agencies. Internships get posted on the county web site that exists to advertise jobs and internships. If you have not registered at the Sonoma County Human Relations web site, do so now. Be sure to find the job categories your interests fall into and request that you receive an email when they become available.
  
  
• The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office, Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Unit advertises any internships they have through the Sonoma County personnel web site noted above.
  
  
• For Marin County Sheriff in general go to http://www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/hr/ccvol/interns.cfm. You may apply online via this link.
  
  
• Target has various internships available. Download each of their flyers (one for executives, one for leaders). Email your resume with contact information to gili.ben-shlomo@target.com. Here's a link to Target's web site.
  
  
• The Napa County District Attorney's Office Victim Services Division in the past has invited intern/volunteer resumes, accompanied by a letter of interest.
  
  
• Federal Internships. Here's a link to search for internships in the Federal Government, many of which are in Washington D.C.
  
  
• Leaders in Community Alternatives (LCA). They describe themselves as a "community-based criminal justice organization that has been providing alternatives to the correctional system for over 20 years, [which] offers a continuum of programs...tailored to the risks and needs of voluntary, pre-trial, and sentenced individuals. [They] are California’s leading provider of electronic monitoring." Students must be enrolled as a second semester junior, senior, or graduate student, have strong written and verbal communication skills, have an interest in working independently in a fast pace environment, and be computer literate. See their flyer here. For more information contact Julio Cazares in their San Francisco Office at 415.546.0603.
  
  
• Sonoma County Sheriff's Department. Fill out the application located here and email it to Lt. Dave House. In the past intern duties have included:
  Brief description
  To assist program deputies, educators and library staff at both detention facilities. Volunteering in Inmate Programs and Services is an opportunity to have a positive impact on our incarcerated population by assisting in providing over 120 classes weekly to inmates in both the Main Adult Detention Facility and the North County Detention Facility. The management of such a large program requires a great volume of detailed paper work. Interns will have little direct contact with inmates, but may work inside Jail's secure perimeter.
  JOB DESCRIPTION
  Specific tasks and responsibilities of the intern:
  
  • --Database Management; -Filing;
  • --Researching school credits earned by Inmates that may be applied to reduced sentences;
  • --Assisting general education teacher/art teacher preparing course materials, may assist in providing instruction to inmate;
  • --Copying course materials;
  • --Preparing/correcting correspondence class packets;
  • --Creating forms, flyers promoting classes;
  • --Fulfilling Inmate Request forms;
  • --Write articles for "On the Inside," a newsletter developed by Programs staff for the 250 plus volunteers who work in our facilities providing programs for the inmates;
  • --Checking library books for inmate messages and repairing damaged books.
  
  QUALIFICATIONS
  Required skills, abilities, education levels, or other qualifications necessary for the job: Over the age of 18. No history of drug or alcohol charges. Willingness to commit to a weekly schedule. Download the application here
  At the North County Detention Facility, a student with an interest/experience in horticulture, landscaping, nursery skills, etc. would be helpful. Duties may include:
  
  
  • Assist designing plant display areas
  • Assist with planning the production/marketing of food production
  • Assist coordintion with school gardens
  • Assist designing plant sign and plant brochure
  • Assist customers with plant selections
  • Assist planning and intalling Demonstration Garden
  • Assist scheduling guest speakers
  • Develop curriculum and lesson plans.
    
    
• The Forget Me Not Farm Children's Services Program needs mentors as well as others. Forget Me Not Farm is the recipient of a federal grant award and making great progress with a current enrollment of nine teen foster children mentees matched with wonderful volunteer mentors. The Press Democrat highlighted the program in an article published January 12, 2010 and accompanying video that showcased our teens and mentors at work. Click here to view the video.
  
  "Weekly I have the privilege of supporting the mentors and mentees as they work together sharing experiences and caring for the rescued animals at the Sonoma Humane Society. I witness our mentor/mentee matches growing and maturing into supportive relationships which provide the teens with confidence and increased self esteem. Through this Program, our mentees learn and grow each week gaining invaluable vocational training and life skills. These skills help prepare them for future employment and life challenges they will need as they become adults. Recently one of our mentees shared that her time spent with her mentor assisting the veterinary staff in the animal hospital was what she looked forward to the most each week."
  
  If you have the interest and time to commit to being a mentor of at-risk kids please contact Beth Karzes, Humane Education/Volunteer Coordinator at 707.577.1902 or email Beth Karzas.
  
  
• Circle of Sisters. See their flyer and contact Jen Hyman at SRM-MB-CircleofSisters@stjoe.org (707.525.5300, x 3221). Further information:
  Address: 1450 Medical Center Dr., Ste. 3
  Rohnert Park, CA 94928
  Phone: 707.525.5300x3221
  Description: Site volunteers/interns are responsible for assisting program facilitators in preparation(s) for group. Circle of Sisters offers 9-12 school site placements; we also offer one administrative assistant position in our Santa Rosa office. Program sites run between the hours of 3-6 p.m. Time of program operation is site dependent. Groups are 2.5 hours long. Volunteers are encouraged to arrive at their assigned sites one half-hour early. Site openings are available in Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Guerneville, Petaluma, and Windsor.
  Intern duties: Volunteers/interns will mentor to adolescent girls, assist in curriculum implementation, and be available as chaperon support for field trips. Office volunteers/interns are responsible for assisting with program evaluations, working closely with community members to elicit support/create awareness about the program, and will assist in event coordination.
  Desired qualities: We are looking for volunteers who are culturally sensitive and who are willing to fully participate in-group activities/interact with the girls. We are seeking active listeners, willing to mentor to adolescent girls. Volunteers must be positive role models for the participants in our program.
  Length: semester
  Hours week: 3-6
  Circle of Sisters is a non-profit, violence-prevention agency that provides free after school programs for girls aged 10 to 14 in Sonoma County.
  

• Sonoma County Sheriff-Coroner advertises internships. Register online at the Sonoma County human resources web site. Be sure to find the job categories your interests fall into and request that you receive an email when they become available.
  
  
• Friends Outside is a Drop-In Center at the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Center. Download their flyer here in Word or as a pdf document. They may need CCJS majors for a two semester commitment. Call Kate Jenkins at 707.526.7318. They have flexible days and flexible hours.

• The Solano County District Attorney's Office Bureau of Investigation has previously had an opening for a Solano County resident student intern in various assignments including their Bad Check Program, Crime Victims Assistance Unit, the Subpoena Service Unit, the Discovery Unit or others. See their flyer and contact
  

• Join Us Making Progress (JUMP). From Jenna Durney: "JUMP is the hub for volunteerism on campus and we have an amazing assortment of programs your students can get involved. Among some of our programs are Eco-Projects, Serving Dinner, Advocacy events, andTutoring and Mentoring Programs. In fact our Tutoring and Mentoring programs are in desperate need of volunteers. These programs have various levels of commitment. Students can volunteer for an hour and a half a week to 10 hours a week depending on the program.
  
  "Our mentoring programs target at risk you and children who are falling between the cracks of the education system. If any of your students are thinking of counseling, teaching, social work, oor anything that has to do with youth these programs are a great way to get experience and change a life. And for those students who aren't planning on working with children but love kids JUMP's Tutoring and Mentoring programs are an amazing way to connect with a child and with the community.
  
  "On a final note, JUMP is offering positions for Federal Work Study Students. If you know any students with Federal Work Study please let them know of this opportunity."
  
  If you are interested or have any questions contact Jenna Durney, the Director of SSU's Tutoring and Mentoring Programs, at 707.664.4277or email her at ssu.kidschoice@gmail.com, phone: 707.664.4277.
  

• U.S. Postal Inspector. (Noted above.) These positions will provide students with "exposure to experience in a federal criminal justice agency. It is expected that through observing and participating in the operation of the Agency, the student will acquire insights into the relationship between criminal justice theory as evolved in the academic setting and the applications of those theories in the community served by the Agency. " Take this link for further information. New contact person: Jason Chung: phone: (510) 558-4263 ; e-mail:

• Santa Rosa Parks and Recreation program. There are no opportunities available at this time.
  

• The Girl Scouts of Northern California might have intern positions. See their flyer and position description. Contact Sandy Miles at 524.9214 for further information.

• McCarthy Fellows Program internship, for students interested in political science, law or public policy. Also see their resources page.
  
  
• HS-STEM Internship for Summer 2012. U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Read this.
  
  
• The Sonoma County Public Defender's Office is under new management and no longer accepts interns from SSU.
  

• The American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California has Policy Department Internship positions relating to death penalty, police practices and racial justice. See the above flyer to learn how to apply. If you have questions contact Romy Ganschow, ACLU of Northern California, 39 Drumm Street, San Francisco, CA 94111 or via e-mail, rganschow@aclunc.org. His phone information is also available on the flyer.

• Santa Rosa Police Department. This police department does not allow internships. They do have a volunteer program.
  
  
• The Family Connection, a Program of COTS (at www.cots-homeless.org), no longer offers internships due to budget cuts. We are very saddened to announce this.
  

• Rohnert Park Youth & Family Services. Phone Kathy Vander Vennet at 584-2672. This mostly involves supervising juveniles who have been diverted.
  

• For Marin County in general go to http://www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/hr/ccvol/interns.cfm. Apply online via this link.
  
  
• A course in research methods is required for this research internship at ICPSR, in Ann Arbor, MI (Summer 2012/2013); it's too late to apply for summer 2013. Plan in advance. ICPSR is a wonderful program for those who enjoy and want to learn more about doing research in the social sciences. You have a faculty mentor and training in how to do research in one of the largest data centers in the world.
  

• Death Penalty Focus is a nonprofit advocacy group that seeks to abolish the death penalty. The volunteer and internship application form is available.

• Willow Creek Treatment Center. Non-profit organization with seven residential homes in the Santa Rosa area. Has paid full-time, part-time and internship positions working with SED children and adolescents with a history of abuse, neglect, and multiple placement failures. Excellent training and experience. Go to www.victor.org. Send resume and cover letter to: Gwen Piscenti , HR Mgr. (SSU alum) at gpiscenti@victor.org.
  
  
• Attorney General Kamala Harris's San Francisco office may be recruiting for interns. See opportunities here and download the application at this link.

• Americorps at www.americorps.org.

• Law firms sometimes provide internships, e.g., Brayton & Purcell, at 1.800.765.7778. See Professor Jackson about others.
  

• The CCJS Department is a supporter of the Boys and Girls Club Valley of the Moon, which needs interns. Rohnert Park's Club may also need an intern.

• SSU Career Center web site, including their page on internship and volunteer opportunities.
  
• use a search engine with Sonoma County Job Connection or Jobsearch to find internship opportunities. There is a link there for adding your personal information so that agencies needing interns can contact you.
  

Top of page

Internship (CCJS 499) Course Requirements

1. Complete the Prospective Intern Form.
2. The hours of service required to receive credit (CR/NC grading only): 4 units (x 45 hrs. per unit) = 180 hours.
3. If you have previously registered for an internship and took an incomplete, you do not need to register again. However, you must submit a signed Internship Agreement Form before you begin your internship hours
4. All students must provide their CCJS Internship Supervisor with the standard Internship Agreement Form (available through the CCJS office on the vertical file in the hallway, or in many other departments that have internships), which must be signed by the student and their on-site supervisor near the bottom of the form before beginning the internship.
5. The Internship Agreement Form must be submitted to the CCJS Department Chair for signatures. This signed form will then be used to add CCJS 499 to your class schedule. NOTE: Unless you have been notified otherwise (check your SSU email addresss), the CCJS Department will add the internship to your class schedule. It is your responsibility to see that the units have been added to your courseload.
6. You do not need to petition to take the internship if you already have 16 units.
7. Students must maintain an internship journal. Begin writing in it before you start your hours. See the discussion below on "Writing in Your Internship Journal."
8. You must also maintain an Internship Time Log (in pdf), also available in Word, which should be provided to your CCJS faculty supervisor along with the summary paper discussed below (see #6).
9. Fill out an Internship Evaluation Form (in pdf) or in Word format. It is also online--see your syllabus. A copy of this form is placed in a binder so other students can read about your experiences.
10. In addition, you must complete a 3-4 page typed and double spaced summary paper about the internship. The paper should summarily describe the experiences you have gained through the internship and your evaluation of it. The following information should be included in your summary paper:

• what you did (briefly)
• the goal(s) of the agency or sub unit within the agency where you worked
• your assessment of how well the agency met or meets its goal(s)
• your assessment of how the internship helped you with your career goals
• your assessment of how your "real world" experiences compared to what you have learned at the University. To what extent do the two worlds "match"?
• your assessment of the on-site supervision of your internship--that is, how well did the supervision provided fit with your ideas of what makes for good supervision?
• Talk to the instructor if it is not feasible or appropriate for you to complete these.
• DUE DATE: Turn in your journal, time log, and summary paper by the last day of classes, or (if necessary) the last day of finals; you may also take an Incomplete if you can't complete the hours. If you wish to take an incomplete please let the instructor know. If you do take an incomplete you do not need to register for the internship in a later semester; you merely make up the incomplete. Incompletes should be made up within a year.

Top of page

These are topics, issues and questions that may help you to think and write about your your internship experience. Don't feel limited to these. Think and write about your internship experience every day you work. Write about them after you are done for the day or early in the next day. Once you've established an internship journal, writing your summary paper will be much easier.

• What are the goals of your internship? Writing these down will help you evaluate whether you are successful later. Take note of any changes over time.
• What is, or what do you believe is, the formal purpose or role of the agency in which you are doing your internship? How does your role relate to that overall purpose? Again, note changes over time.
• Did you have any new experiences today or this week? What did you learn about yourself and your ability to do this internship?
• Write about whether and/or how your internship experience is related to ideas that you have learned in your major coursework. If you can't think of any, where do you think your experiences would fit into a course?
• Identify what ideas you have about your work that may differ from others in your workplace. How do you explain or understand these differences?
• What kind of communication skills does your internship require? How are these similar to and/or different from what is required in school or from other jobs that you have had?
• Write about your satisfaction with your supervisor(s). What, if anything, would you change about your relationship with him/her? Have you learned what type of supervision that you best learn from?
• How do you respond to feedback on the job, both positive and negative?
• In your experiences with your supervisor(s) or peers, have you ever felt that you were put in a position that compromised your values? How did you resolve it?
• Have your experiences helped you to think about possible careers in this field or other fields? What are the pluses and minuses of this job? How have your experiences helped you to decide on what career you will pursue?
• How do you feel about your contribution to your job? Have you done a lot or a little? Do you feel your work has been appreciated or not?
• Are your actual experiences consistent with the goals of your internship?

Top of page