School Social Worker Intern

INTERNSHIP / CONTRACTED ASSIGNMENT: Contracted internship opportunity - multiple / various locations

CONTRACTED AMOUNT : $10,000 maximum stipend paid as $5,000 per semester after completion of each semester.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP: The School Social Worker Intern will be under the general supervision of an assigned CSIU 16-certified, Licensed School Social Worker, who will serve as the intern's Field Supervisor, in coordination with their respective university-assigned Program Coordinator/Faculty Liaison.


SCOPE OF INTERNSHIP: The successful intern will complete a year-long internship comprised of a minimum requirement of 450 hours in a K-12 setting and following a schedule as established by the CSIU and in collaboration with the applicable college/university. While receiving direct, on-site supervision from experienced practitioners, the School Social Worker Intern will be provided with the opportunity to gain culturally diverse experience within traditional public-school settings. Additionally, the School Social Worker Intern will provide services and support to students across uniquely specialized Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit educational programs and classrooms, including early intervention, deaf/hard of hearing, alternative placement and transition programming. Training experiences and responsibilities will be aligned to those recommended by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) as part of the Pennsylvania Mental Health Education Learning Program in Schools (PA HELPS), the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and alongside individual university requirements. The School Social Worker Intern will gain experiences in the evaluation of students referred by local education agencies as thought-to-be exceptional students and to participate in the reevaluation process as required by state and federal special education laws. The School Social Worker Intern will engage in consultation with Early Intervention, Equitable Participation, public schools, IU16 personnel and programs, parents/guardians/surrogates and agencies. The School Social Worker Intern will participate as a member of the multidisciplinary team and will promote the understanding of developmental expectations of students to increase learning and achievement, appropriate behavior and social functioning. They will also provide consultation and direct services, under the direction of an assigned certified Licensed School Social Worker, to identified students. Relative to the position, the intern participates in various teams and activities as needed and/or requested.

At the expiration of the contracted internship opportunity, there is no guarantee of an employment offer from the CSIU.


ESSENTIAL INTERNSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior

• Adhere to the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and CSIU policies.
• Maintain professional boundaries with students, families, and staff.
• Demonstrate accountability through timely documentation and communication.
• Engage in regular supervision and incorporate feedback into practice.

1. Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice

• Provide culturally responsive support to students from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrate respect for differences in race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic status, and ability.
• Adapt interventions to meet the unique needs of diverse student populations.

1. Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice

• Identify and address systemic barriers impacting student success (e.g., poverty, discrimination).
• Advocate for equitable access to school and community resources.
• Support inclusive school practices and policies.

1. Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice

• Observe and participate in data collection related to student behavior and interventions.
• Use evidence-based practices in individual sessions and group work.
• Reflect on practice outcomes and adjust interventions accordingly.

1. Engage in Policy Practice

• Learn and apply relevant educational laws and policies (e.g., special education, attendance regulations).
• Assist in implementing IEPs and 504 Plans.
• Observe how school policies impact student well-being and access to services.

1. Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

• Build rapport with students, families and staff through effective communication.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings.
• Support family engagement and outreach efforts.

1. Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

• Assist in conducting social histories and behavioral assessments.
• Observe intake process.
• Attend/participate in teaming meetings with psychiatrist, if applicable.
• Identify student strengths, needs, and environmental factors affecting learning.
• Contribute to case conceptualization under supervision.

1. Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

• Support delivery of individual and group counseling sessions.
• Assist with crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies.
• Help implement behavior intervention plans and social-emotional learning supports.

1. Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

• Monitor student progress toward behavioral and emotional goals.
• Participate in evaluation of interventions and services.
• Document outcomes and contribute to program improvement efforts .

NON-ESSENTIAL INTERNSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Field Supervisor or program supervisor of Special Education.

EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Currently enrolled in a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) approved Master of Social Work Program to obtain a master's degree in social worker (MSW).
• Enrolled in a PDE-approved program to complete requirements to earn a 1851-School Social Worker PK-12 Educational Specialist certification.
• A Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or other related fields preferred.
• Excellent organization, interpersonal, oral and written communication and interpersonal skills are necessary to properly maintain open channels of communication with agencies, school districts, parents, members of higher education institutions, etc.
• Interest in working with children and youth.
• Motivated to learn, willing to take initiative, and able to work independently at times.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
• Computer experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, data entry, email and experience managing file sharing with Google Drive.
• Adept at using virtual meeting platforms such as Skype, Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding education programs, students and parents at all times adhering to the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) requirements to protect staff and student data.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current, approved Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse Registry) and Act 114-FBI Fingerprint clearances are required and must be renewed at appropriate, specific intervals pursuant to Act 153 of 2014 (revised Act 15 of 2015).
• Current, approved Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training certificate showing completion of a minimum of three (3) hours training every five (5) years.
• Proof of independent liability insurance.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Participate in weekly supervision meetings with the field instructor.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Perform light physical education activities with students, including bending, light exercise, throwing, and hitting a ball, etc.
• Navigate the hallways (which may be filled with students) quickly in the event of an altercation.
• Sedentary: Able to sit for extended periods of time, occasional walking, standing (as necessary), and able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Dexterity: Finger movements (computer keyboard, calculator), eye-hand coordination (office equipment, etc.).
• Audio-Visual Requirements: Within normal range with or without correction.
• Is able to move throughout all buildings, floors, and grounds.
• Worksite Environment: Primarily indoors, office setting with occasional exposure to outdoor elements/climate during the day.
• Mental demands: Steady response to unpredictable situations, ability to remain calm and productive during stressful situations.
• The ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
• Demonstrates independent judgment, discretion, and is able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

TIME AND SITE REQUIREMENTS:

1. This is a one (1) year-in-length, contract paid internship, consisting of a minimum requirement of 450 hours following a schedule as established by the CSIU and in collaboration with the applicable college/university. At the expiration of the contracted internship, there is no guarantee of additional contracted services or an employment offer from the CSIU.
2. The ability to provide one's own means of transportation and/or travel unassisted to various school district buildings, CSIU classroom and program locations, and professional meetings during the work day is required.
3. Attendance is a requirement of this position; the immediate supervisor must approve any and all absences.

CSIU PROPERTY AND CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIREMENTS:

1. All property, including intellectual property, materials, equipment, or actual products and services developed or accrued as part of the intern's duties and responsibilities listed above, is the property of the CSIU. It may not be used for personal profit or gain and will be relinquished to the CSIU upon termination of this contract for services.
2. The person employed in this position shall maintain confidentiality with regard to the personal and private information about clients and coworkers, programs and services, and any other proprietary information accrued as a result of CSIU employment or as required by state or federal laws and regulations.
3. The person employed in this position must adhere to all requirements identified in the code of professionalism entitled "Ambassadors Are Professionals, Too" and CSIU Administrative Regulation 317-AR-1 CSIU Service Standards.