Studying Social Work? Fairfield Police Want To Hear From You

FAIRFIELD, CT — The Fairfield Police Department is offering a college student rare insight into the criminal justice system.

The department is looking to hire an unpaid intern to work with its Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Jessica Bloomberg, to help the student gain "hands-on experience in the emerging field of police social work."

In recent years, Fairfield and other police departments have seen an increase in the number of calls in which the services of a social worker could benefit people who may be in crisis. Bloomberg, who was hired in late 2022, has several responsibilities, such as serving as a law enforcement liaison; assisting with mental health evaluations and making mental health service referrals; helping with crisis resolution; and more. Read about her position here.

"The selected intern will work directly with Jessica Bloomberg, our department’s social worker, who is referred cases that come to our attention through police interactions," Fairfield Police Sgt. Jenna Wellington told Patch. "They will also get hands-on experience with justice-impacted youth through our Juvenile Review Board, which is something a lot of people don’t have the opportunity to experience. This involvement provides insight into diversionary practices and restorative approaches within the justice system."

How long the intern will be with the department will be determined by the requirements of the student's academic program, and the department will only have one intern in the position at a time "to ensure they get meaningful, individualized experience."

"Overall, this opportunity is especially unique, as the role of a social worker embedded within a police department is still relatively new and emerging within the field of social work," Wellington said.

Those interested in applying for the internship must be enrolled in an accredited university and in good academic standing. Additionally, they submit to, and successfully pass, a background check.

For more information, visit: https://fpdct.com/community/social_work_internship.php, or reach out to Bloomberg at LCSWjbloomberg@fairfieldct.org, or 203-254-4845.