Internship Programs

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Behavioral Healthcare Graduate Student Programs – Internships/Externships

The Behavioral Healthcare Division provides comprehensive, coordinated, recovery-oriented, community-based mental health and substance use services that are of the highest quality and fully accessible and responsive to the individuals served. Students start in the fall. 

Application dates: Applications are received on a rolling basis.

Students interested in applying for either program should complete the form below and submit:

  1. a resume/vita,
  2. a letter of interest and
  3. 3 letters of recommendation, including at least one letter from a clinical supervisor and one from their program director about readiness for externship.
  4. Transcripts

For the coming school year, applications will be accepted until February 1 for the externship program and for the master’s internship program.

For additional information please contact: Ursula Escoto.

Master’s Level Internships for Clinical or Counseling Students

The Behavioral Healthcare Division accepts master’s level students studying to become a professional in the behavioral healthcare industry for the nine-months  beginning after Labor Day, and continuing until June. Students are exposed to clients with serious mental illness and substance use disorders. The agency offers internships in the follow programs:

Forensic Jail Diversion/Residential and Specialized Clinical Services

Description of Intern duties:

  1. Complete all required onboarding trainings, including HIPPA, Cerner, Bloodborne Pathogens, Civilian Orientation at ACDF, etc.
  2. Attend internship at least 3 days per week for approximately 5-7 hours per day. Provide notice to supervisor if unable to attend internship or need specific dates off in the future.
  3. Attend weekly supervision with the assigned supervisor.
  4. Document all encounters with clients in Cerner within 24 hours.
  5. Write thorough progress notes in DAP format for all f2f meetings with clients.
  6. Observe various assessments conducted by Forensic and TOW Clinicians and identify the difference between the assessments that are completed in the field.
  7. Carry a case load of approximately 3-5 clients during the end of the first semester/beginning of second semester.
  8. Provide case management with the oversight of the site supervisor.
  9. Notify supervisor if client needs to be assessed for a higher level of care as a result of psychiatric instability or substance use.
  10. Attend court hearings as it relates to client’s diversion from jail and ongoing treatment in the community.
  11. Attend weekly staffing with the Forensic Jail Diversion and Treatment on Wheels Team.
  12. Meet with clients at different locations in the community, such as the jail, shelter, hospital, DHS, as needed.
  13. If appropriate, intern will assist Dr. Guerrero with writing Competency Evaluations that are submitted to the court.
  14. Assist Forensic/TOW staff with restoration to competency efforts that are completed with ACDF.
  15. Co-lead psychoeducational groups at the RPC shelter or agency with Forensic/TOW staff.
  16. Develop an evidence-based psychoeducational group to be co-lead by interns with minimal supervision.

Successful Intern Qualities:

  1. Knowledge and study of Forensic populations, clinical diagnosis and presentation, substance use, and modalities of treatment.
  2. Ability to learn and apply training received in internship to assist clients.
  3. Organizational skills to manage school and internship requirements and deadlines.
  4. Excellent written and oral skills.
  5. Ability to voice questions and accept feedback both positive and constructive.
  6. Ability to commit to a minimum of two full days a week, preferably more, to the internship site.

For further questions, please contact:

 

Clarendon House – Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program

Clarendon House is a community-based rehabilitation program working with adults with serious mental illness. The program provides a wide array of services to clients to include psycho-educational classes, advocacy and case management, medication and psychiatric services, and socialization programs. The goal of the program is to prevent psychiatric hospitalizations and promote the highest level of community integration, recovery and independence for each individual.

Clarendon House can fulfill social work and clinical mental health counseling internship requirements of 16+ hours per week. Students must be willing to work with adults with serious mental illness, some with co-occurring disorders and other medical issues. Looking for students with strong communications skills, flexibility, and ability to work with multi-disciplinary team. Previous mental health experience preferred, but not required.

Specific duties include:

  • Teaching psychoeducational classes to clients
  • Engaging clients in social and educational skill building activities to assist in the development of daily living skills to help clients function in the community
  • Providing outreach to clients and families
  • Developing treatment plans collaboratively with clients and treatment team
  • Coordinating with case managers, psychiatrists, and other members of treatment team to ensure quality of care
  • Provide ongoing support and monitoring of clients present at the program
  • Work collaboratively with treatment team and attend weekly staff meetings
  • Assist case managers with tasks which could include but not limited to: attending home visits, assisting with benefits paperwork, research of available resources, contacting transportation companies, assistance with scheduling appointments
  • Shadow case managers during their appointments with clients
  • Attend civil commitment hearing
  • Tour Arlington County facilities and outside hospitals

For further questions please contact Monica Augustenborg, LCSW at 703-228-0244 maugustenborg@arlingtonva.us

 

Healthy Living Program – BHD Residential and Specialized Clinical Services

Practicum:

  • Second year MSW students in social policy/change (macro) specialization

Description of Intern duties:

Interns support the development and administration of the Healthy Living Program (HLP).

The MSW social change practicum will provide opportunities for students to be involved with all elements of the administration and ongoing development of a health and wellness program in a public behavioral healthcare setting. This program provides health and wellness services and supports to adults living in recovery from mental health and substance use issues. The program prioritizes the examination of social justice and equity issues as they relate to healthcare and engages in advocacy and education around such.

Students would be tasked with the following:

  • All elements of daily program administration to include development and management of all program services, budget supervision, contract management, client-related needs, scheduling, etc.
  • All elements of partnership building with community-based services to benefit HLP and BHD clients
  • Grant writing research and application
  • Data collection around program outcome measures, and all elements of program evaluation and adaptation
  • Support HLP client engagement in program activities including weekly groups and services, social media events, community-based recreation and learning opportunities, and more
  • Ongoing engagement with community partner agencies to include the development of health and wellness-related projects and events, and the provision of relevant presentations and workshops as needed

Required Hours:

  • As required by MSW program – typically 20 hours per week for second year student

For further questions regarding program, please contact Marianna Cardozo, LCSW at 703-228-5191 or mcardozo@arlingtonva.us

 

Recreation Therapy Internship

Recreation Therapy Internship

Internship Requirement:

Undergraduate interns must have a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 and a minimum 2.75 GPA in their field of study or have exceptional field experience in the setting.

Students must successfully complete all academic course work, National Council of Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) requirements, clinical experiences, and interventions completed prior to beginning the internship.

Description of Intern duties:

The intern will support the Forensic Jail Diversion/Treatment on Wheels/Drug Court multidisciplinary team by developing and facilitating recreation therapy services within the Behavioral Healthcare Division (BHD), under the direct supervision of the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). The intern will be expected to provide direct services at various locations such as: Arlington County Detention Facility, Department of Human Services, Arlington Shelters, Arlington County Court House, and various community locations. 

Students would be tasked with the following:

  • Complete required County trainings.
  • Provide one to one and group recreation therapy sessions to clients open to Behavioral Healthcare Division outpatient services.
  • Complete initial assessments within one business day of initial contact and maintain quarterly assessments every 90 day period.
  • Complete progress notes and group notes within one business day of the sessions/groups.
  • Maintain care coordination by communicating with the clinician or case manager overseeing the client’s case, regarding progress and challenges observed during sessions.
  • Attend weekly supervision for one hour with the CTRS.
  • Attend Forensic/TOW/Drug Court team supervision meeting.
  • Attend Behavioral Health Docket and Drug Court proceedings and related meetings.
  • Participate in Mid-Term Assessment and Final Evaluation, with CTRS.
  • Complete a long-term project, presented or facilitated before completion of internship.

Required Hours:

As required by National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) – a minimum of 560 hours, minimum 14-week period is mandatory to meet internship requirements.

Interns will be expected to work 30-40 hours per week, which may include weekends. The daily work schedule is set by CTRS supervisor. 

For further questions, please contact:

 

 

Qualifications of Applicants: The internship program accepts applications from master’s level students in clinical or counseling psychology programs in VA/DC/MD. The students should be entering their second year of graduate study and should have prior experience with therapy clients.

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