Mental Health Intern

August 14, 2019
Internship

Department: Clincal Health

Reports to: Clinical Director

Position Summary:

The mental health intern will be trained to provide culturally competent and trauma-informed mental health services to individuals ages 18-24 at Covenant House Georgia, who are participating in all services for homeless youth: Shelter, Rights of Passage Program, and Community Service Center.

Major Tasks, Responsibilities, & Expectations:

• Engagement in approximately 5-10 hours per week of direct clinical contact
• Observing assessment/counseling sessions (Initial phase of training)
• Perform clinical activities with increasing levels of autonomy
• Utilize structured skill development exercises and experiences (i.e. role-playing, video/audio taping sessions, process recordings)
• Conduct culturally competent therapy
• Maintain individual case load consisting of individual therapy clients
• Learn and apply trauma-informed therapy
• Develop case conceptualization skills
• Co-lead or lead group psychotherapy or psychoeducation sessions
• Demonstrate the capacity to integrate and apply theoretically sound approaches to therapeutic interventions
• Learn how to develop and implement treatment goals
• Demonstrate the capacity to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Give and receive feedback regarding clinical cases with supervisors
• Engage in case presentations to multidisciplinary staff in team meetings
• Attend educational didactics/seminars to supplement clinical knowledge
• Engage in research protocols where opportunities exist
• Documents all service contacts on a timely basis, preferably after every session
• Participates in regular interdisciplinary staff meetings and coordinates services with other providers
• Meets weekly with agency Clinical Director for supervision
• Supports in the development of discharge plans, as it relates to mental health for clients

Essential knowledge & abilities:

Working knowledge of the nature of serious mental illness and related treatment modalities, interventions, and techniques as it relates to target population. Understanding of trauma informed care, DSM V criteria related to PTSD & Major Depression, Youth Homelessness (nationally and locally), Reaching Teens Curriculum (CHI specific), and Community resources for homeless youth seeking mental health services.

Youth served:

• Youth who are receiving brief therapy in emergency shelter (18-24 yo).
• Youth who are receiving therapy in independent living program (18-24 yo).
• Youth who enter emergency shelter from hospital or mental health facility.