MSW UNPAID INTERN- Wonder With Me Program

The Social Work Intern will support the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Program in delivering developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and relationship-based therapeutic services. This internship is designed for a graduate student currently enrolled in an accredited Master of Social Work program seeking clinical experience with young children (ages birth to five) and their caregivers. The intern will work under the supervision of a licensed social worker and as part of a multidisciplinary team including mental health clinicians, early childhood educators, and family support specialists.

Responsibilities

Foster Care Program Placement:

*Provide coaching to parents during family visits in foster care office and family time sessions in parent-child group home to support parent-child dyad using therapeutic, strength based and trauma informed interventions.

* Co-facilitate a therapeutic parent support group using evidence-based and trauma informed curriculum.

* Establish and maintain a maximum caseload of five visit coaching clients and two groups each week.

Early Childhood Educational Center Placement:

* Provide individual therapeutic sessions with children under the age of 5 years old to support healthy child development, especially the development of socio-emotional skills.

* Co-facilitate or lead group therapy and/or socio-emotional skill building sessions for children under the age of 5 years old

* Support parent-child dyadic work using therapeutic, strengths based and trauma informed interventions to enhance attachment, emotional regulation, and communication.

* Establish and maintain a caseload of at least five individual clients and two groups each week.

All Placement Sites:

* Observe, assess and document child development, play behavior, socio-emotional skills and relational dynamics within therapeutic and/or educational settings.

*Conduct needs assessment to identify most pressing needs of caretakers and children and develop comprehensive list of resources in the community to support child development, healthy parenting and attachment.

* Provide referrals to other providers of clinical or therapeutic services as needed to maintain continuity of care and support systems for families.

* Participate in weekly clinical supervision and bi-monthly interdisciplinary group supervision

* Engage in reflective practice and ongoing learning around early childhood development, infant and childhood mental health, family work, trauma, diversity, and cultural humility.

* Collaborate with caseworkers, supervisors, mental health professionals and educators to support children’s social-emotional development, including being present in visiting room, classroom and play center settings outside of scheduled sessions.

* Assist in the planning and implementation of therapeutic programming and family engagement events.

* Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation, including session notes and treatment plans, in accordance with organizational policies and ethical standards.

*Complete weekly process recordings documenting impressions, clinical observations and interventions provided to clients.

Qualifications

* Currently enrolled in a Master’s of Social Work direct practice program (required) and approaching second/final year of program

* Strong interest in infant and early childhood mental health in a community based setting.

*Foundational understanding of child development, attachment theory, family systems theory and trauma-informed care.

* Experience with or enthusiasm for working with infants, toddlers, children under the age of five years old and their caregivers.

* Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary, community-based setting.

* Strong verbal and written communication, observation, and interpersonal skills.

* Bilingual or multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Learning Opportunities

*  Graduate level internship hours and reflective supervision.

* Training in infant mental health frameworks, evidence informed interventions

* Exposure to community-based, culturally responsive service delivery.

* Opportunities to engage in cross-disciplinary collaboration with early childhood, child welfare and mental health professionals.

*Opportunities to participate in professional trainings and conferences