St Mary's Center

Position: Marriage Family Therapist (MFT)/Clinical Social Worker (ASW) Intern 

Department: Mental Health & Wellbeing
Organization: St. Mary's Center 
Location: Oakland, California 

Schedule: 16 hours/week, Onsite  
Reports To: Clinical Director and Licensed Clinical Supervisor 
Position Type: Internship / Practicum Placement 

Compensation: $40.00 per hour 

About St. Mary's Center 

Founded in 1952, St. Mary's Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of low-income seniors and families in Oakland and Alameda County. Through a comprehensive continuum of services, St. Mary's Center provides affordable housing support, daily nutritious meals, behavioral health services, case management, social activities, benefits advocacy, wellness programs, and community support designed to help vulnerable individuals age with dignity and remain connected to their community. 

Our programs serve a diverse population with a strong commitment to supporting African American seniors, individuals experiencing poverty, housing instability, social isolation, chronic health conditions, and mental health challenges. 

Position Summary 

The MFT Associate or ASW Intern will provide supervised behavioral health services to seniors and other program participants receiving services through St. Mary's Center. Interns will gain hands-on experience providing individual counseling, group therapy, psychosocial assessments, treatment planning, crisis intervention, and interdisciplinary care coordination within a community-based nonprofit setting. 

This internship offers a unique opportunity to work with older adults facing challenges related to aging, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic illness, social isolation, homelessness, and housing insecurity. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Clinical Services 

• Provide individual counseling under the supervision of a licensed clinician. 

• Facilitate and co-facilitate mental health, support, and psychoeducational groups. 

• Organize and lead Recovery Groups and Relapse Prevention  

• Conduct intake interviews and psychosocial assessments. 

• Develop and implement client-centered treatment plans. 

• Monitor client progress and adjust interventions as appropriate. 

• Provide crisis intervention and support when needed. 

• Assist clients in developing coping skills, emotional wellness, and resilience. 

• Conduct facilitates support groups and or recovery groups. 

Documentation 

• Complete timely and accurate clinical documentation, including assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries. 

• Maintain client confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and professional ethical standards. 

• Participate in quality assurance and chart review activities. 

Collaboration 

• Work closely with case managers, housing staff, senior services staff, healthcare providers, and community partners. 

• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and clinical consultations. 

• Coordinate referrals to housing, healthcare, benefits, food assistance, and other supportive services. 

Professional Development 

• Attend weekly individual and group supervision. 

• Participate in agency trainings, staff meetings, and professional development activities. 

• Demonstrate professionalism, cultural humility, and ethical practice. 

Qualifications 

Required 

• Currently enrolled in an accredited Master's program in Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work, Clinical Counseling, or a related behavioral health field. 

• Eligible to complete internship or practicum requirements. 

• Strong interest in community mental health, geriatric services, and social justice. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Ability to work effectively with diverse and underserved populations. 

Preferred 

• Experience working with older adults, low-income populations, or individuals experiencing homelessness. 

• Knowledge of trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally responsive practices. 

• Experience facilitating support groups or counseling services. 

Learning Opportunities 

Interns will gain experience in: 

• Individual psychotherapy 

• Group psychotherapy 

• Geriatric mental health 

• Trauma-informed care 

• Grief and bereavement counseling 

• Community mental health 

• Housing-related behavioral health services 

• Integrated care and case consultation 

• Working with underserved and marginalized populations 

• Clinical documentation and treatment planning 

St. Mary's Center Values 

St. Mary's Center seeks interns who demonstrate: 

• Compassion and respect for all individuals 

• Commitment to social justice and service 

• Cultural humility and responsiveness 

• Professional integrity 

• Dedication to improving the lives of seniors and vulnerable community members 

Equal Employment Opportunity
 St. Mary’s Center is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active Equal Employment Opportunity. We celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status. In compliance with the California Fair Chance Act, St. Mary’s Center will consider qualified applicant with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act.