Therapeutic Services Intern (Unpaid)

The client population served through this program includes refugees, asylees, and asylum seekers, who may be survivors of torture, victims of human trafficking, gender-based violence survivors, victims of domestic violence or other crimes, and those experiencing mental and emotional distress. This population represents numerous nationalities and ethnic backgrounds, many of whom do not speak English.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Screen clients for emotional distress using Refugee Health Screener-15 (RHS15).

- Complete appropriate referrals for various services and provide care follow up and coordination.

- Assist clients with mental health services navigation and equip them with skills for self-advocacy.

- Teach clients skills (ex: appointment organization, scheduling interpretation, scheduling transportation, etc.) to access services on their own.

- Serve as an emergency resource navigator to assist clients obtain/apply for services for basic needs such as food, insurance, clothing, etc.

- Advocate for quality and culturally appropriate care in a systematic and strategic way.

- Complete administrative tasks (ex: survey, case note, date tracking, etc) on timely manners.

- Assist the TS program organize and recruit clients for monthly wellness or family strengthening events.

- Practice sensitivity to cultural and personality differences of clients by respecting their beliefs and values.

- Collaborate with community agencies to support clients receiving services.

- Other relevant program support duties, as assigned.

Qualifications REQUIREMENTS:

- Ability to obtain an AZ Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card

- Ability to pass an IRC background check

- A bachelor’s level focus on public health, counseling, social work, public health, or related field is strongly encouraged but is not a limiting factor for candidates.

- Willingness to take initiative to achieve goals.

- Demonstrate cultural humility and an understanding of trauma-informed care

- Ability to communicate effectively with clinical team, clients, and staff.

- Experience with vulnerable populations preferred, particularly psychological trauma due to war, displacement, violence, and persecution.

- Desire to work with an ethnically diverse international population in innovative ways.

- Ability to work effectively with partners, colleagues, and clients in a cross-cultural, team-based environment.

- Ability to present oneself in an appropriately personable and professional manner to clients and staff.

- Ability to be both consistent and flexible as circumstances warrant.

- Ability to receive and utilize constructive feedback regarding performance, presentation and relationships with others.

- Strong written and verbal communication skills.

- Strong computer skills.

- Proficiency in a second language spoken by the client base strongly preferred but not required.

- A positive attitude and a desire to learn and adapt traditional clinical skills to meet the needs of a diverse client base.

- A vehicle, current driver’s license, and valid insurance.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: This internship provides case management, care coordination, and advocacy experience in a community agency setting. Under the direction of a supervisor, interns get practice in cross-cultural assessment, outreach, resource provision, documentation, in-service training, and data collection.

- Knowledge of the role of racial, ethnic, and cultural heritage; nationality; socioeconomic status; family structure; age; gender; sexual orientation; religious and spiritual beliefs occupation physical and mental status and equity issues in a community social work setting.

- Understand the roles of community social workers and the relationship between social workers and other professionals in a community agency setting.

- Demonstrate an understanding of ethical and legal considerations specifically related to the practice of community social work and engage in appropriate ethical behavior.

- Understand and demonstrate basic and advanced helping skills with a variety of clients with diverse cultural backgrounds, presenting problems and trauma.

- General principles of assessment and an understanding of symptoms to look for when conducting a mental health screening.

- Evaluate effectiveness of intervention(s) provided.

- Prepare and maintain records required.

- Learn to use individual supervision effectively.

- Learn critical thinking and organization skills.

- Learn problem solving and advocacy skills on behalf of clients.

- Demonstrate the ability to communicate and collaborate with various professionals and stakeholders.

Application Deadline: August 31st

This is an unpaid internship; you must commit at least 15 hours a week for 6 months minimum with working hours between Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM.