MSW Clinical Intern

Safe Place for Youth; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Safe Place for Youth in Los Angeles is offering an MSW Internship for social work students to aid in clinical programming and case management services. Interns will receive comprehensive training and work directly with diverse populations in a supportive environment, receiving guidance from experienced staff.

This role includes conducting assessments, facilitating therapy sessions, and participating in staff training. The internship aims to develop practical social work skills while addressing youth homelessness in West Los Angeles.

Qualifications

• Must have a reliable communication method.
• Must possess a valid driver's license or state ID.
• Punctuality and organization are essential.

Responsibilities

• Participate in SPY's training programs.
• Conduct intakes and assessments for new youth.
• Co-facilitate therapy sessions with supervision.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Cultural competency

Ability to work with diverse populations

Education

Current enrollment in an accredited MSW program

Job description

Description

MSW Internship position will participate as a member of the Clinical Department, and support the flow and responsibilities of Access Center Programming, Case Management, and Health and Wellness Therapy. The MSW Internship will offer participants the opportunity to work in a professional setting to develop and demonstrate skills in social work, to integrate the theories and practices learned in and out of the classroom, to develop an understanding of the diversity of a community population and the role of diversity in social work practice. This role will aid in supporting frontline staff in day to day operations, and will also receive a caseload of members working towards a variety of goals. This position is an integral part of case management services at SPY.

The first half of the internship will focus on developing skills in case management, documentation, assessments, and working in a high pace Access Center. The 2nd half of the internship will continue in this trajectory, but will also focus on further developing clinical skills, providing interns with an opportunity to conduct 1:1 therapy services to a small caseload, help plan and facilitate therapy groups, and participate in various training sessions. Throughout the program, interns will receive one-on-one support from Field Instructor, and on-going support from Clinical Supervisor, Health and Wellness Therapists, as well as group-based professional development classes.

About Us

Safe Place for Youth (SPY) is the leading service provider for youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness in West Los Angeles. Founded in 2011, our agency offers trauma-informed, low-barrier programs that support young people in exiting the streets and achieving stability so that they can thrive, not just survive. Our robust continuum of care includes street outreach, drop-in services, health and wellness programming, case management, education and employment services, and housing programs.

SPY is a unique social impact agency that is committed to overcoming structural barriers to equity, community collaboration, and innovative youth-focused programming. If you have the skills, passion, and collaborative spirit, join our growing team of nearly 100 employees.

SPY strives to attract and develop individuals who reflect a broad spectrum of diversity, including (but by no means limited to) racial, ethnic, gender identity, and socioeconomic dimensions. We believe that the inclusion of diverse perspectives is essential to achieving long-term, systemic change. We explicitly seek applications from those who self-identify as coming from historically marginalized populations to enrich and elevate our equity-centered approach to problem-solving.

What You’ll Do

• Participate in SPY's orientation and in-service training programs for professional staff and volunteers as needed
• Attend Clinical Department team meetings and group supervision
• Run Front Desk operations on a rotation basis ensuring members are connected with needed programs and services
• Under supervision of Field Instructor, conduct intakes, assess needs, and refer new youth to pertinent services/programs such as housing, mental health, benefits, education, and employment as needed
• Assist in following up for referrals for services and collecting required paperwork (including follow up calls)
• Help plan and co-facilitate related workshops/trainings for youth and community members
• Under supervision of Field Instructor, establish treatment goals and revise counseling interventions as indicated. Evaluate member/family response to psychosocial interventions; identify obstacles and assist in understanding goals of intervention, documenting all services in Civicore and HMIS
• Co‑facilitate group therapy sessions with the Health & Wellness Therapist
• Participate in one hour (minimum supervision)
• Other duties as assigned and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization.

Requirements

Must meet the following background and qualifications:

• Currently attending a university or college while enrolled in an accredited MSW program. This is a requirement.
• Must have a reliable method of communication.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License and/or State ID. This is a requirement.
• Willing to complete a live scan (background check) and TB Test.
• Is punctual and organized.
• Able to work effectively with people of diverse races, ethnicities and sexual orientations in a multicultural environment.
• Willingness to work with folks of diverse experiences and backgrounds.
• Can utilize a harm reduction, trauma‑informed approach when working with young people.
• Willing to accept a variety of tasks to support the function and services provided at the Access Center and other SPY locations.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Changes in the environment, such as the office or outdoors.

Physical effort/lifting, such as sedentary‑up to 15‑20 pounds at times.

Special Conditions

Mandated Reporting Requirements

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

COVID‑19 Vaccination Requirements

Effective August 9, 2021, the State Health Officer has mandated that all workers, paid or unpaid, in homeless services organizations must provide proof of vaccination. If eligible for a booster shot, proof of booster is also required. If not fully vaccinated, weekly COVID‑19 testing is necessary depending on the program.

EEO Statement

All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Safe Place for Youth does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law.

Safe Place for Youth is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment‑qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.