Social Work Intern

JOB SUMMARY

This is a 975-hour internship program designed to provide practical work experience which applies general social work principles so that knowledge acquired through course curriculum is transformed into working skills.

Student interns will be exposed to all departments of BHDS including Early Intervention, Intellectual Disabilities, and Mental Health.

There will also be the opportunity to gain macro-level social work experience within our Administration Department. 

The Intern will experience the management of a caseload from the point of intake through transfer or termination and gain an understanding of the programmatic and fiscal aspects of case management and supports coordination. 

Interns may be assigned to a caseload under the guidance of the current Case Manager or Supports Coordinator.

Work assignments and workload will be determined by the department and the interests and skill level of the Intern.  

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The Intern will report directly to the assigned supervisor. Work is reviewed by the assigned supervisor through regularly scheduled supervisions. Work is also reviewed through observations in the field, reviewing of records, provider and family contracts and others as identified by the supervisor as needed. Supervision schedule will also be determined by requirements of educational facility.   

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Duties: Interns can expect to perform some or all of the following duties:

1) Accept structured one-on-one mentoring and training in the practice of social work case management.

2) Observing and shadowing current staff as they perform their essential job functions.

3) Visiting BHDS contracted day and residential service providers to become familiar with funded programs

4)  Gain an understanding of the varied State Departments that provide regulations under which BHDS operates (e.g. DHS, OMHSAS, ODP, OCDEL)

5)  Learn BHDS principles such as self-determination, Recovery, person-centered planning, parents as partners, CASSP, and CSP

6)  Understand the varied department specific eligibility criteria; conduct intake interviews and psycho-social assessments

7)  Observe the activities of Crisis Intervention and learn the MH Commitment Procedures in PA

8)  Observe functions of County Government such as Board of Commissioners Meetings and Salary Board Meetings

9)  Gain and understanding of advocacy by visiting MHA and the ARC of Lebanon/Lancaster County

10) Learn how to conduct and manage all aspects of casework: how to refer for services, proper case note documentation, developing and completing individual service and recovery plans accurately according to relevant department regulations, advocating on behalf of the consumer and family.

11) Become familiar with the varied funding streams and how they impact service delivery.

12) Be able to facilitate treatment team meetings

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

1)  Learning organizational and time management skills

2)  Developing effective written and verbal communication skills

3)  Understanding how to be a team member by participating in staff meetings

4)  Other duties as assigned supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

Enrollment as a full-time student in a bachelor’s degree program in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, human services or other related behavioral science and completion of 75 credits, including completion of 15 credits in one of the listed majors.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Functional knowledge of basic social work - computer skills - the ability to communicate.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES

 • Must pass pre-internship drug screening test.

•  Must have acceptable background check that includes FBI Clearance, PA State Police criminal history and ChildLine clearances. Clearances are required prior to the start of employment and may not be more than one year old at time of employment.

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving history in accordance with County policy.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

The Intern must be able to work in a busy, open environment. They must be able to travel to and from client locations. This position requires the use of a laptop computer in the field and a laptop with monitor and keyboard in the office. This job requires a person to be able to sit for extended periods of time, either in the office, or at meetings.

Travel Expenses: As the intern is required to use a vehicle in the course of the job with any internship expenses reimbursed by the Agency according to County's travel reimbursement policy.