Second-Year MSW Clinical Intern (Unpaid)

POSITION SUMMARY

This position provides a second-year Master of Social Work (MSW) student with supervised clinical experience working with adult survivors of domestic abuse. The intern will maintain a caseload of up to eight clients, providing individual therapy, assessments, treatment planning, and case management services. The intern will work under the supervision of the Lead Therapist to develop clinical skills, professional judgment, and confidence in providing trauma-informed care. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Client Caseload: Maintain a caseload of up to eight adult clients, providing individual therapy and case management under clinical supervision. Clients will be assigned gradually based on demonstrated skills, clinical readiness, and ability to manage responsibilities effectively.
• Clinical Assessments: Complete biopsychosocial assessments to identify client concerns, strengths, trauma-related symptoms, safety needs, and treatment priorities.
• Treatment Planning: Develop individualized treatment plans with clients, including measurable goals, interventions, and expected outcomes.
• Individual Therapy: Provide trauma-informed therapy using appropriate approaches such as CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and psychoeducation to support client recovery.
• Case Management: Help assigned clients identify and address barriers to services, connect with community resources, and follow up on referrals.
• Safety and Crisis Response: Assist clients with safety planning, recognize concerns requiring immediate attention, and consult the Lead Therapist regarding appropriate next steps. 

• Clinical Documentation: Complete accurate and timely assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, case management records, and discharge summaries according to agency requirements.
• Client Progress: Review treatment goals with clients, assess progress, and adjust interventions and treatment plans as needed in consultation with the Lead Therapist.
• Team Collaboration: Coordinate with agency staff and community providers to support client needs and continuity of care.
• Clinical Supervision: Participate in weekly individual supervision, discuss client cases, ask questions, and apply feedback to improve clinical skills and decision-making.
• Ethical Practice: Follow the NASW Code of Ethics and agency policies, maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries, and respect client self-determination and cultural differences.
• Professional Development: Participate in required meetings and trainings, demonstrate professionalism, and complete assigned learning activities. 

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS 

• Currently enrolled in an accredited MSW program and approved for a second-year clinical practicum.
• Foundational understanding of social work ethics, mental health, and trauma-informed practice.
• Interest in working with adult survivors of domestic abuse.
• Ability to communicate professionally and work collaboratively with clients and staff.
• Willingness to receive feedback, seek supervision, and develop clinical skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and accurate records.
• Basic computer skills and willingness to learn agency documentation systems.
• Knowledge of domestic abuse and clinical interventions preferred.
• Bilingual Spanish/English skills preferred but not required.

WORK CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work Environment: Work is primarily performed in an office. The position will require interaction with team members, families, clients, community partners, and other stakeholders.

Physical Requirements: The successful incumbent should:

• Be able to perform the essential duties of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Be able to remain stationary for extended periods of time.
• Frequent operation of technology systems, software and equipment specific to this role.
• Occasional lifting or carrying materials weighing up to 25 pounds

Travel: Minimum travel may be required based on organizational needs.

Schedule: Schedule will be determined based on internship requirements.

Clinical Supervision: The intern will receive weekly individual supervision from the Lead Therapist, with additional consultation as needed. Clinical responsibilities and caseload assignments will increase gradually based on demonstrated competency, clinical readiness, and university requirements. All clinical services will be provided under supervision, with the Lead Therapist maintaining clinical oversight.