The Cunningham Township Social Work Intern Program offers the opportunity to participate in government, social work and policy making. Cunningham Township is a unit of local government with the same boundaries as the City of Urbana. The Urbana City Council members are the Township Board Members.

GENERAL ASSISTANCE

Cunningham Township administers General Assistance which is an income maintenance program for persons who are not eligible for state or federal public assistance.

Interns conduct applicant interviews, make determinations of eligibility, take responsibility for case management, conduct program evaluations, and take part in administrative duties. This is an opportunity to work in welfare administration with a small staff and provide direct service to clients, from start to finish.

HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION PROGRAM

The Township also operates a program to help General Assistance recipients reduce past due rent. For each GA client, the maximum amount of benefits from this program cannot total more than $325.00 within any twelve-month time period. The Township makes payment directly to the landlord. In exchange for payment by the Township, the landlord agrees to stop eviction proceedings. The intern makes eligibility determinations for this program and participates in negotiations with the landlord.

INTER-AGENCY INVOLVEMENT

Interns will have the opportunity to participate in meetings with other community social service providers. The Township belongs to the Human Services Council, the Council of Service Providers to the Homeless, and Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation Local Advisory Council.

If you are a student at the University of Illinois School of Social Work and are interested in fulfilling your internship at the Cunningham Township Supervisor's Office, please contact the Field Instruction Office of the University of Illinois School of Social Work at 333-2261.