Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Paid Internship

Pay:
The pay for this opening varies depending on part-time or PRN. Part-time is $20.60/hour. For PRN you will be paid at a rate of $25.00 per billable hour

Applewood Centers is a private, nonprofit agency providing mental health services, social services and education to children, adolescents and families living in Cuyahoga and Lorain counties. Dedicated to addressing a variety of behavioral, emotional and learning problems, we provide a continuum of care from outpatient counseling to residential treatment.

Program Summary: Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Intern (IECMH) Program utilizes several evidence-based practices in our approach to working with our youngest client population, which range in age from newborn to six years old. This in-home program works with parents and caregivers to help build strong and effective parenting skills and aid in the healthy development of their children. Our clients are in homes that are experiencing overwhelming stress or have concerns that might affect the parent or caregivers ability to parent. Additionally, this program can assist children who may have undergone a recent trauma, experiencing attachment difficulties or having any difficult behavior.

Position Summary: Under the administrative and clinical supervision of the Clinical Supervisor, the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Intern provides assessment, referral, psychotherapy, consultation & TBS to assigned children and their families.  The IECMH Intern is expected to meet their University's field experience target each week.  Services take place in the home and community.  Work hours are flexible, some evening hours are expected. 

Location: Travel will be required for this position. Services will take place in the home and the community. 

Hours: Field hours are flexible. Occasional evening work should be expected.​​​​​​​

Essential Duties:

1. Provide behavioral health counseling, TBS and consultation services based on client assessed needs.
2. Provide referred families and individuals with assessment services or consultation assessment, as needed. 
3. Interview clients to obtain information pertinent to establishing and maintaining effective client records and ITPs/consultation service plans.  Gather information in a timely and systemic manner that will enable ongoing diagnosis, assessment, and treatment planning.
4. Develop and maintain strengths-focused, professional alignment and engagement with families. 
5. Develop focused, measurable and achievable service plans/case plans that are consistent with the family's identified needs and cultural assessment.
6. Collaborate with families and clients in the development of crisis plans and provides crisis assistance and coaching as needed. 
7. Coordinate the delivery of services identified on client treatment plans (ITP) or consultation plans.
8. Assist clients and families with the development of skills that will enhance and improve family functioning in areas that include but are not limited to interpersonal relationships, anger management, coping, etc.
9. Assist clients and families with monitoring and managing symptoms related to social, emotional, and behavioral symptomatology.
10. Meet productivity expectations established for community based therapy staff.
11. Provide child care supportive services to client and child care staff as needed and requested by parents and center administrators.
12. Close cases in a timely manner, accurately completing aftercare plans and related paperwork based on goal achievement and/or agency policy/procedure.
13. Form and maintain collaborative working relationships with natural supports, collateral professionals and/or agencies concerning individual cases.
14. Assist and advocate on behalf of clients and families to secure needed resources, services and supports.
15. Maintain a professional posture with clients and families that reflects courtesy, respect and the highest ethical standards.
16. Complete all required documentation completely, accurately, legibly and within specified timeframes and consistent with contractual obligations.
17. Secure supervisory signatures per licensing guidelines and agency policy/procedure.

Other Duties:

1. Attend team meetings and consultations on time and as scheduled.  Be open to feedback and suggestion from others, be prepared for meetings, actively participate as a supportive team member, and maintain a positive working relationship with co-workers.
2. Incorporate supervisory suggestions and directions into clinical practice.
3. Apply professional training to revise and update clinical practice.
4. Obtain or work toward Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Professional Credential.
5. Collaborate with agency staff and administration on behalf of program changes.   
6. Participate, as required, in program and performance improvement initiatives.
7. Have or maintain a good on-time and attendance record.
8. Perform other duties as directed.

Qualifications:

1. Education:  Minimum Bachelor’s degree required. Must be enrolled in an accredited Master of Social Work, Counseling, or Marriage and Family Therapy program.
2. Licensure: Valid Ohio Trainee license (Social Work Trainee, Counselor Trainee, Marriage and Family Therapy Trainee), or higher, must be in process before billing services for the Agency.
3. Competency/Skills:   

• Core Expertise: Possesses skill, knowledge and abilities to perform the essential duties of their role; keeps knowledge up to date.
• Independent Judgment: Ability to perform job responsibilities with a high degree of initiative and independent judgment.
• Leadership: Proven effective leadership skills to ensure departmental engagement and success.
• Cultural Competency: Demonstrates awareness, sensitivity and skills in working professionally with diverse individuals, groups and communities who represent various cultural and personal background and characteristics.
• Interpersonal Communication: Communicates clearly using verbal, nonverbal, and written skills in a professional context; demonstrates clear understanding and use of professional language.
• Professional & Ethical Conduct: Adheres to professional values such as honesty, personal responsibility, and accountability; Applies ethical concepts within scope of work and adheres to Agency policies and procedures.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Functions effectively as a member of a professional team that includes employees, clients and family members.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making: Recognizes problems and responds appropriately; gathers information and sorts through it to identify and address root cause issues; makes timely decisions.

1. Other:  Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and driving record that meets the underwriting criteria of the Agency’s insurance company. Must be approved by Applewood to transport client in own vehicle.