Project Independence Suffolk Intern (Unpaid)

Subject:

Project Independence Suffolk Intern (Unpaid)

Program Summary:

Project Independence is a comprehensive, non-residential program devoted to Suffolk and Nassau County youth in foster care. The program prepares young people between the ages of 14 and 21 to live and work independently in the community when they are no longer eligible for foster care. The program is dedicated to youth in foster care, whether their permanency goal is to return to parent, adoption or independent living. Social work counselors help each young person address their particular needs and goals by providing individual counseling and conducting group workshops. Project Independence collaborates with other community-based agencies to provide supplementary comprehensive and supportive services.

Primary Responsibilities include:

The intern's role would be to act as Social Work Counselor for approximately 3-6 clients throughout the course of the internship. This includes case management (including contact with foster parents, DSS caseworkers, schools, and other service providers), conducting monthly home visits with each client, writing progress notes, and taking youth out in the community to work on independent living skills. Some examples include helping them open up a bank account, helping them get their permit, helping them apply to college, etc. Home visits often include informal therapeutic counseling. Interns will be expected to create and co-facilitate independent living workshops 3-4 times per month and provide weekly client transportation for workshops. Interns will also be expected to facilitate two foster parent trainings throughout the course of the internship. The intern will be required to conduct in-home visits and transport clients in an agency vehicle.

Qualifications and Requirements include:

  • 1st Year or 2nd Year Master of Social Work (MSW) student
  • Valid New York State driver's license with a safe and responsible driving history to conduct home/field visits and transport clients in an agency vehicle
  • Vehicle that is properly registered and insured by New York State and is available for use to conduct home/field visits

Schedule:

  • Opportunity available during the 2022/2023 Academic School Year (Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 Semesters)
  • 14-21 Hours Weekly
  • Required Monday evenings until 8pm, Hours flexible on other days
  • On-Site Work Required

Supervisor Credentials:

  • LCSW, SIFI Certified
  • MSW