Clinical Student Internship-Unpaid

Center for Victims (CV) is currently seeking Clinical Student Internships for the upcoming fall and spring semester. Internships are a mandatory two semesters and our unpaid unless otherwise noted.

Position: Clinical Student Internship-Unpaid

The Clinical Student Intern is responsible for comprehensive assessment and treatment of persons whose lives are disrupted by trauma and violence. Activities include: assessment and treatment planning; individual, family, and group therapy; crisis counseling; case management; advocacy; and education. The Clinical Student Intern provides treatment in the least restrictive environment possible, promotes client responsibility, family and significant other involvement as is safe and appropriate. The Clinical Student Intern subscribes to a trauma informed model for treatment services.

Responsibilities:

• Collects client information through interviews and observation.
• Engages and counsels’ clients, individually and in group and family sessions.
• Provides support to client's family/significant others, when appropriate, assisting them in understanding and supporting the client.
• Develops and implements treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge.
• Encourages clients to express their feelings and discuss what is happening in their lives, and helps them to develop insight regarding the impact of trauma and violence on themselves and their relationships.
• Continually evaluates and assesses client progress.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of counseling interventions and client progress in resolving identified problems and moving towards defined objectives. Adapts/modifies interventions as necessary.
• Acts as client advocate in order to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
• Collaborates with other staff members to perform clinical assessments and develop treatment plans that maximize the possibilities for client success.
• Has strong knowledge of community mental health and additional resources. Makes appropriate referrals for clients or family members as needed.
• With client’s consent, meets with families, probation officers, police, and other interested parties in order to exchange necessary information that will further the treatment process.
• Monitors clients’ use of and changes in medications by asking client and coordinating care with appropriate systems.
• Prepares and maintains all required treatment records and reports and enters/updates records in CV’s client database.
• Maintains current knowledge related to new developments in the trauma field and engages in courses and training required to maintain licensure.
• Participates in ongoing clinical supervision and training as required by Clinical Supervisor.
• Provides crisis intervention services, including after-hours as a member of the crisis response team.
• Provides training and case consultation/coordination to CV staff and other allied professionals.
• Performs other VOCA eligible duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• In process of obtaining Master’s degree in psychology, social work, or other human service field required. Degree must qualify for Licensure in the state of Pennsylvania to provide outpatient therapy. Any individual who does not possess LCSW, LMFT, LPC or psychology licensure in the state of PA must achieve such licensure within a time frame established by CV.
• Psychology: Knowledge of the impact of exposure to and experience of trauma and violence on human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
• Therapy and Counseling: Knowledge of current evidence based trauma treatment practices; Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of trauma related emotional and psychological difficulties; Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, ethnicity, and cultures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Completion of mandatory victim assistance training including domestic violence, sexual assault/rape crisis, & other crimes and basic conflict resolution training – provided by the organization.
• Ability to commit to additional training hours as required.
• Ability to secure Act 33 and 34 (Child Abuse and Criminal History) and FBI clearances.
• Ability to secure additional clearances/testing that may be required by funding regulations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Programs; computer/database skills including ability to learn state, county, and CV’s various software programs.
• Ability to work closely with others in a team environment.
• Supportive of organization’s mission along with sensitivity of cultural diversity and workplace harmony.
• Ability to adhere to CV’s confidentiality policy along with respect to sensitive, confidential client data and adherence to all Federal, State and local statutes.
• Access to a personal cell phone for safety and immediate business communications.
• A readily available and reliable means of transportation.
• Self-directed with strong problem-solving abilities and flexibility to meet the needs of the program.

Working Conditions

• Work in a professional office environment.
• Work in CV’s various offices and in other community/public locations and sites as assigned.
• Ability to work designated hours.

This is an unpaid internship. CV is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs, and not on race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, parent status, veteran status, political affiliation or other factor protected by law. CV complies with the Affirmative Action requirements and the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodation for qualified employees with a disability.