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Social Work Generalist Internship

The Social Work Generalist Internship is a dynamic, 6-9 month internship experience designed to give students a broad perspective into the work we do, the populations we serve, and the skills we value in future social work leaders and clinicians.

Through our group of connected companies, interns gain exposure to a diverse range of social work, clinical, behavioral health, case management, advocacy, and community-based services:

• Sample Supports - Comprehensive services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
• Sample Supports Youth Services - Foster care and youth services
• Sample Therapy Services - Mental health and addiction treatment
• Bross Street Assisted Living - Senior living and assisted living services

Interns will gain experience across these organizations through a variety of assignments, direct service opportunities, projects, and supervised learning experiences. The program is designed to provide both clinical/direct-practice experience and macro/community social work experience, helping students understand how social work principles are applied across multiple populations and service systems.

This internship is ideal for bachelor's or master's level students in social work or related human services programs who are looking to develop strong foundational skills while gaining exposure to multiple areas of practice.

To be considered for this role, you must complete the Culture Index Survey(link here). This is not a test - there are no right or wrong answers. It helps us build well-balanced teams and match people with roles where they can thrive.

Our Culture

Sample Supports' culture is centered on the needs of the individuals we serve and our employees. We are a mission-driven agency that values creativity, flexibility, and advocacy. We aim to develop and grow our teams to provide the highest quality care. We are seeking applicants who are bold, compassionate, and ready to contribute to meaningful work in their community.

What You Will Learn

Throughout the internship, you will gain exposure to:

• The structure and requirements of Colorado's IDD, behavioral health, foster care, and senior living systems
• Fundamentals of case management, case documentation, and individualized service planning
• Client-centered planning and advocacy practices
• Clinical assessment and behavioral and mental health support
• Interdisciplinary collaboration across multiple organizations and programs
• Program and curriculum development
• Quality assurance and data tracking
• Community resource development and coordination
• State regulations, policy changes, legislation, and their impact on human services
• Professional communication, documentation, and confidentiality
• The application of social work principles across disability services, behavioral health, foster care, senior care, and community-based programs

Clinical & Direct Practice Experience

Depending on program needs, placement opportunities, and supervision, internship activities may include:

• Championing and facilitating a mental health group through Sample Therapy Services
• Providing direct behavioral and mental health support to a caseload of 1-2 individuals
• Providing case management for 1-2 seniors living at Bross Street Assisted Living
• Providing case management for 1-2 PCA clients living in an apartment setting
• Participating in clinical assessments for potential residents entering Bross Street Assisted Living
• Completing SAFE Assessments for potential foster care families
• Participating in care team meetings and interdisciplinary communication
• Researching and compiling local community resources
• Observing and assisting with service delivery and behavioral supports
• Supporting person-centered planning, advocacy, and client independence
• Completing required documentation in accordance with organizational and program standards

Macro & Community Social Work Experience

Interns will also have opportunities to develop an understanding of the broader systems, policies, and community structures that influence social work practice. Experiences may include:

• Monitoring assigned State Memos, new legislation, regulations, and policy changes and assisting with follow-up and implementation
• Analyzing and tracking relevant federal and state changes
• Participating in program and curriculum development and implementation projects
• Supporting quality assurance initiatives and data tracking
• Participating in lobbying and legislative efforts
• Attending relevant statewide meetings and learning how policy decisions affect service delivery
• Developing an understanding of advocacy at the individual, organizational, and systems levels

Supervision & Professional Development

Interns will receive structured supervision and opportunities to reflect on their professional development throughout the internship. This includes:

• Weekly clinical and task supervision
• Both individual and group supervision formats
• Ongoing learning reflection with assigned supervisors
• Exposure to interdisciplinary leadership and clinical teams
• Opportunities to connect classroom learning with real-world social work practice

Training & Certifications

During the internship, students may receive or have access to training and certifications including:

• CPR/First Aid
• NVCI (Non-Violent Crisis Intervention)
• Medication Administration
• Assisted Living Facility (ALF) Administrator Prep Training
• SAFE Assessment training
• Behavioral and clinical courses
• DVR/Employment training

General Responsibilities

• Maintain professional communication across teams and programs
• Adhere to confidentiality requirements and professional ethics
• Complete assigned documentation accurately and on time
• Manage schedules, assignments, and deadlines with increasing independence
• Participate actively in supervision, training, and learning opportunities
• Collaborate effectively with clients, families, clinicians, case managers, and other professionals
• Promote person-centered values and support individual choice and independence
• Serve as a mandatory reporter for suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation
• Demonstrate flexibility and professionalism while working across multiple programs and populations

Qualifications

• Current student in a MSW or related human services program
• Interest in gaining experience across clinical, case management, disability, behavioral health, foster care, senior care, and/or community-based services
• Strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills
• Dependable, flexible, and collaborative
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, multi-program environment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold professional ethics
• Willingness to receive feedback and participate actively in supervision and professional development

Working Conditions

• Internship experience typically occurs over 6-9 months
• Possible hybrid schedule depending on internship responsibilities and placement
• Requires participation in program, supervision, training, and team meetings
• Some responsibilities may occur in community, residential, clinical, or office-based settings
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines with appropriate supervision
• Reliable transportation is required when participating in field-based services

This Social Work Generalist Internship offers you the opportunity to gain broad exposure to the diverse range of services offered by Sample Supports, including behavioral health, supported living, community access, employment, and youth and family support. Interns will play a supportive role in empowering individuals with disabilities and mental health diagnoses, while learning the core functions of case management, advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

This internship is ideal for bachelor's or master's level students in a social work or human services program looking to develop strong foundational skills across multiple service types.