School-Based Clinical Intern

Job Description

Opportunity Summary

This internship offers a valuable opportunity for students pursuing school-based services. Clinicians will work hours that align with the school schedule, typically 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM for elementary or middle schools. For high school placements, hours may be from 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM. To accommodate family needs, occasional evening hours will be held for family sessions. The predominant internship timeframe runs from September through April, with possibilities for summertime placements.

Eligibility Requirements

• Current student enrolled in an accredited Master’s of Social Work or Master’s of Counseling program.
• Must be a Master’s or doctoral level student.
• Student must be enrolled at an academic institution that has an existing contract with Sheppard Pratt.
• Applicants for this internship/practicum are expected to possess a strong foundation in:
  • Child/adolescent mental health theory and related theory and practice
  • Clinical reasoning
  • Foundations of evidence-based practice
  • Group theory and application
  • Teaching/learning concepts and applications related to staff, client, and caregiver education

Learning Model

• 1:1 Supervision: Weekly individual supervision is provided by a Licensed Certified Social Worker, Clinical (LCSW-C) or Licensed Certified Professional Counselor (LCPC).
• Task Supervision: Daily on-site task supervision will be provided at offsite placements by a licensed master’s level social worker or counselor.
• Group Supervision & Training: Bi-monthly group supervision sessions and additional training opportunities are also provided to enhance learning.

Student Expectations

• Self-Directed Learning: Proactively seeking learning opportunities and feedback.
• Flexible Thinking and Adaptability: Demonstrating an ability to adjust to evolving situations.
• Readiness to Learn: Eagerness to absorb knowledge from all experiences.
• Patience and Compassion: Essential qualities when working with a challenging patient population.

Student Tasks

Students will engage in a diverse range of clinical activities and responsibilities, gaining invaluable experience with diverse populations within the Montgomery County Public School System. Tasks include:

• Providing individual, group, and family therapy.
• Gaining experience in crisis intervention.
• Engaging in collaboration with school staff.
• Managing an individual caseload of at minimum 4-6 students.
• Co-leading and leading group therapy sessions.
• Attending Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings.
• Assisting with behavioral modification strategies within the school setting.
• Working with school counselors on a needs assessment to help determine services to be provided by the program.