Behavioral Health Clinical Intern (BSW/MSW/CMHC)

Behavioral Health Clinical Intern (BSW/MSW/CMHC)

Summary:

A Behavioral Health Clinical Intern (BSW/MSW/CMHC) is an unpaid clinical position, typically for a semester or one year, depending on graduate program requirements. The Behavioral Health Clinical Intern (BSW/MSW/CMHC) provides counseling and related services within the context of assessments, mental health services, therapeutic support, care management, crisis counseling, policy/research and theory-to-practice opportunities. Interns typically engage in placement experience between 16 and 28 hours per week, though individual hours may vary depending on academic institutions. Approximately 60% of this time is allocated to direct client contact; 40% consists of supervision, training, case management, and administrative duties. 

Specific position overviews are based on academic requirements and individual institutions:

BSW Interns might assist with case management, conduct assessments, and participate in client-centered care planning. These activities may include co-facilitating workshops and groups on various topics like social skills, coping mechanisms, and self-empowerment. Also, supporting clients in navigating the service delivery system and advocating on their behalf with various agencies and providers.

MSW Interns will focus on developing their counseling skills and gaining experience in providing direct therapeutic services.  They may participate in client intakes/evaluations, crisis counseling, individual/group therapy sessions, psychosocial evaluations, and create care/treatment plans under the supervision of licensed professionals. 

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Interns participate in a variety of activities designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, under the supervision of a qualified professional. These activities include direct client contact through intakes and individual/group counseling, as well as indirect activities like attending staff meetings, participating in case management, and receiving supervision. 

Responsibilities:

• Conduct wellness checks and case reviews on client caseload at least monthly

• Complete paperwork required by funders and assist in reporting process as required 

• Provide caregiving support services/groups, case management, and information and referrals to identified clients and caregivers throughout New York City

• Carry a caseload and perform client assessments, as well as home visits as needed

• Conduct client intakes and refer participants to other SAGE services as needed/relevant

• Design, launch, and facilitate support groups as needs are identified

• Assist clients and their care recipients with public benefits applications and other entitlement programs and opportunities

• Conduct workshops, presentations, and training related to participant needs, program requirements and agency/institutional mission

• Conduct advocacy for clients on an as-needed basis with other services

• Enter client records & notes, and collect all participant and service unit data as outlined by organizational and funder policies

• Engage in clinical trainings opportunities and continuing education

• Participate in weekly supervision with clinical and/or task supervisor, as required by academic program in individual/didactic or group format.

• Follow agency policies and procedures, external regulations, and professional Code of Ethics.

• May be assigned other tasks and duties reasonably related to internship responsibilities

Preferred Qualifications:

• Enrollment in an academic institution granting degrees in social services, social work, mental health counseling or other health related program

• Participation in creating and maintaining a workplace that values diversity and treats everyone with respect without regard to race, color, age, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, specifically with LGBTQIA+ older adults

• Computer skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, etc.) and competence in using client databases

• Demonstrated teamwork, open communication and presentation skills