Masters Internships in Social Work and Counseling
The CSU Health Network invites internship applications for the 2009-2010 academic year from 2nd year MSW students at Colorado State University and graduate students in counseling from Colorado State and other regional universities. This year we have eight social work and counseling interns who spend 20-25 hours per week at the Center. Our training staff is composed of licensed clinical social workers, counselors, and psychologists. We're enthusiastic about our training program and view the development of new professionals as an important part of our mission.
Our program strives to develop entry-level clinicians who possess the knowledge and skills necessary to function as competent, culturally sensitive and ethical practitioners. Masters interns will train in one of three areas: general counseling services; substance abuse assessment and treatment; or outreach and prevention. All interns will attend some training activities, while other activities will be focused in the area of specialization.
Philosophy and Model of Training
The training program at the CSU Health Network follows a "developmental apprenticeship" model. Interns and members of the training staff work together to assess each intern's skills and then design developmentally appropriate training activities. We believe interns need a balance of both support and challenge to maximize their learning and skill development. We provide opportunities to work with senior staff members completing intake assessments, co-facilitating groups, and giving outreach presentations. Individual and group sessions are recorded and feedback is provided. As interns gain experience and feel increasingly confident, they function more independently. This experiential training is also complemented by the didactic training in our seminars and supervision.
Internship Track Descriptions
General Counseling Services
Interns in the counseling track will have opportunities to work with clients presenting a broad range of problems, including mood disorders, anxiety, eating disorders, relationship difficulties, and family concerns. Students provide intake assessments, as well as individual and group therapy. .
Interns receive 1.5 hours of individual supervision each week from a licensed mental health professional. They also receive an additional .5 hour of supervision as they process their therapy group session with their senior staff co-facilitator. Interns also participate in 4 hours of seminar weekly. The Master's Seminar addresses topics such as assessment and diagnosis, psychotherapy theory, treatment of various presenting problems, and intern professional development. The Group Seminar offers interns didactic training in group therapy and group supervision of their therapy groups. Diversity Seminar gives interns an opportunity to expand their knowledge of underrepresented groups, explore their own cultural backgrounds, and better understand their own biases. Interns also attend a weekly staff meeting or case conference.
Substance Abuse Assessment and Treatment
The DAY (Drugs, Alcohol, and You) Programs provide assessment and treatment for students who have received a University sanction for their substance use behavior or voluntarily request substance use counseling. Interns typically counsel students referred for BASICS, a two session program for those with relatively minor violations of University policy, and they serve as Case Managers and/or Clinicians for students enrolled in the Back on TRAC Program. Interns are also involved in weekly case reviews and psychoeducational groups with students in Back on TRAC.
DAY interns receive 1.5 hours of individual supervision each week and 1 hour of group supervision with all DAY staff. They attend the Master's and Diversity Seminars, staff meetings and case conference.
Outreach and Prevention
Outreach and Prevention Program interns provide programming to a wide variety of students and organizations on campus. They are involved in the planning and implementation of CSU Health Network activities such as RAM Welcome, the health fair, and Celebrate Everybody Week.
Interns attend weekly OPP staff and supervision meetings. They may also participate in the Master's and Diversity Seminars.
The Application Process
Graduate students interested in applying for the 2009-2010 internship should submit a letter of interest, resume, and names/phone numbers of three academic/professional references by March 13, 2009. Interviews will be scheduled in March/early April with offers made before the end of the spring semester. If positions remain vacant, social work interns with advanced standing beginning their graduate program in the summer semester and other late applicants will be considered.
Colorado State University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search and motor vehicle history. All internship offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check to be conducted immediately following the match announcement. For more complete information about the Colorado State policy, please see http://www.hrs.colostate.edu/background/index.html.
All interns must be available to begin orientation August 1, 2009.
Please submit materials to
Elizabeth Sutphin, LCSW
Assistant Director of Training
CSU Health Network
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-8010