Unpaid Software Internship

Job Description

INTERN – SOCIAL WORK (MSW) | The Pavilion Behavioral Health System

The Tone:
This is an unpaid internship at The Pavilion Behavioral Health System, located in Champaign, IL. The Pavilion is a dedicated behavioral health facility committed to providing comprehensive care and support to individuals facing a range of mental and emotional health challenges. As an organization focused on patient well-being and recovery, The Pavilion fosters an environment where professional development and compassionate service converge. This internship for a Master of Social Work candidate is a pivotal opportunity, designed to integrate academic knowledge with practical experience in a real-world clinical setting. It represents a foundational step for future social work professionals, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the lives of patients while honing their skills under expert supervision within a crucial healthcare domain.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Location: In-person, Champaign, IL
• Mission: This intern supports the delivery of comprehensive social work services to patients within the behavioral health system.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Client Support: Provide direct, empathetic support to patients and their families within various behavioral health programs, assisting with emotional regulation, crisis intervention, and navigating the complexities of their treatment plans.
• Assessment & Planning: Collaborate with supervising social workers to conduct psychosocial assessments, gather comprehensive client histories, and contribute to the development of individualized treatment and discharge plans that address the unique needs and goals of each patient.
• Therapeutic Engagement: Participate in individual and group therapy sessions, psychoeducational workshops, and other therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing coping mechanisms, improving social functioning, and promoting long-term recovery for patients dealing with behavioral health conditions.
• Case Management: Assist in coordinating care services, connecting patients with essential community resources, and advocating on their behalf to ensure access to necessary support systems for housing, employment, and ongoing mental health services post-discharge.
• Documentation & Ethics: Maintain meticulous and confidential client records, including progress notes, treatment plans, and discharge summaries, adhering strictly to HIPAA regulations, professional ethical standards, and the policies and procedures of The Pavilion Behavioral Health System.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Entry-Level. Candidates must be actively enrolled in or have recently completed a Master of Social Work (MSW) program from an accredited institution. A strong academic foundation in social work theories, human behavior in the social environment, social welfare policy, and clinical practice methods is essential for success in this role.
• Experience: This is an unpaid internship opportunity specifically structured for individuals seeking to fulfill academic field placement requirements or gain initial supervised experience in a behavioral health setting. No prior professional paid experience in social work is required, but any volunteer work or relevant field experience will be considered beneficial for contextual understanding.
• Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in interpersonal communication, including active listening and empathetic engagement. Ability to conduct basic psychosocial assessments and contribute to treatment planning. A solid understanding of social work ethics and professional boundaries. Strong organizational skills for case management and meticulous documentation. Capacity to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.