Clinical Internship (Counseling, MFT, Social Work)
Supervisor: Clinical Supervisor Location: Gurnee, Round Lake and/or Libertyville, IL In-Person and Tele-health
Mission: Opening doors to mental healthcare so people can cope, heal, and thrive.
Summary: YFC offers a robust and supportive placement for students as they begin to practice the skills they have learned in their academic program. YFC is uniquely designed to offer students a variety of experiences under the direct, in-person support of a clinically licensed staff, allowing students to develop a range of clinical and administrative skills as they prepare to enter the mental health workforce.
Under direct supervision interns can look forward to developing their mental health clinical skills working with a diverse population of individuals, families, and/or groups. Additionally, they will gain experience working in a Medicaid certified Behavioral Health Clinic (BHC) and working with various commercial insurances.
Interns at YFC thrive under personalized and diverse supervision and support, participating in 4 weekly group and individual supervision meetings (available for virtual attendance) including Monday 1pm, Tuesday 10a, Thursday 12-2p.
Clinical Experience
- Carry own clinical caseload, in accordance with agency expectations for client care, including no less than 12 scheduled hours a week in direct service (8 billable hours delivered) after a ramp-up period at the start of placement.
- Delivery of services including being on-site for a minimum of two evenings a week until 8pm
- Learn to navigate an EMR to document medical necessity and effectively document sessions.
- Gain or maximize the ability to keep a professional schedule and clinical records in a timely manner.
- Practice forming provider/patient relationships using a variety of interpersonal skills.
- Learn to read patient responses, feelings and reactions and the ability to manage the same.
- Work to adapt communication style and level to patient needs.
- Build strong therapeutic relationships with patients.
- Expand on educational foundation to implement treatment plans.
- Learn to accurately administer and interpret assessment and measurement tools.
- Recognize and evaluate patient progress and issues that impede patient progress.
- Learn to engage collaterals in the treatment process.
- Utilize various supervisory supports to present cases for clinical review.
- Expand knowledge and abilities through learning new approaches and methods through research and application with ample supervision.
- Explore a variety of counseling areas to identify areas of greatest interest.
- Develop self-awareness and self-assessment with respect to clinical performance.
- Learn to recognize and maneuver through issues involving ethical boundaries.
- Develop ability to recognize clinical emergencies or ethical dilemmas, seek supervisory support and act accordingly.
Administrative Experience
- Learn to manage a professional counselor’s schedule and expectations including effectively communicating with office staff, peers, and clients.
- Develop and maintain proper communication and coverage for time out of the office, including vacations, holidays, illness, conferences, or personal commitments.
- Planned time off not to exceed 2-weeks in duration to respect the needs of the clients.
- Learn to address issues with client financial contracts, including updating client records and making referrals to other agencies as appropriate when clients are unable to meet contract commitments.
- Willingness to gain certification in IM+CANS assessment and treatment planning tool, DCFS Mandated Reporter and other trainings as assigned.
- Learn and act in accordance with YFC goals and values, including building trust, acting with integrity, treating both clients and co-workers with respect.
- Learn to engage in and support work to recognize, acknowledge and celebrate diversity of culture and thought, both with clients and with teammates in the workplace.
Professional Competencies/Qualifications
- Current enrollment in and actively working towards a master’s degree program in a mental health related field from an accredited institution.
- Willingness to develop and maintain a current understanding of state and federal law as well as ethical/professional standards.
- Commitment to quality and continuous improvement: coachable, using data and feedback to improve performance and effectiveness.
- Interest in engaging with people of all ages and from all walks of life; inclusive and respectful of all YFC stakeholders.
- Understand role and how their placement contributes to organizational success.
- Works effectively and efficiently under supervision.
- Maintain good clinical and professional boundaries.
- Demonstrate growth mindset including, problem-solving abilities, dedication to continuous improvement, and intrinsic motivation to achieve goals.
- Comply with all requirements, coordinating with YFC leadership and school personnel as appropriate.
If you have questions about opportunities please contact Yaritza Hernandez, LCSW at (847) 748-0469.
To submit your resume and cover letter, click “Apply to Position”.