Benton County Juvenile Department –
Volunteers and Interns

The Benton County Juvenile Department routinely utilizes the services of community volunteers and practicum/intern students from local colleges and universities.

Volunteers and Student Interns

Volunteers and students are actively recruited throughout the year. The screening process includes an interview with the Deputy Director, reference check and criminal history check.

Once accepted, volunteers/students are assigned to one of three areas. They may be assigned to work with a Juvenile Counselor where they have the opportunity to learn the essential functions of that position. These functions include how to conduct an investigation for the Court, counseling techniques, and rehabilitation and guidance theories and strategies for intervening with youths and their families who fall under the supervision of the Department.

Volunteers/students assigned to this area may co-facilitate competency groups, tutor youth in a school setting, and observe Counselors performing intake interviews, conducting assessments and making Court presentations. They may also make client contacts in the Department or in field settings (at home, work or school).

Volunteers/students may also be assigned to work with the Community Service/Work Crew Program. They will work under the supervision of the Community Services Coordinator. Duties may include conducting community service orientations, contacting community service work sites to check on a youth's progress, or helping to supervise a crew of youths at a work site. This assignment may be in conjunction with working with a Juvenile Counselor.

Volunteers/students who are interested in gaining office skills may be assigned to work in the clerical area. Typical duties include greeting the public, answering telephones and data entry.

Anyone interested in a volunteer or student intern position should contact the Deputy Director at 541-766-6064.