Internship Opportunities

Each intern has a unique job description and will work in one or more programs, as assigned. CARS has developed an intern training program that ensures interns are given hands-on experience with clients with regular supervision. All aspects of UTA’s learning contract are specifically addressed to ensure each intern develops competencies in all areas. CARS accepts thirty (30) interns per semester, divided between BSW, Foundation and Advanced Graduate. This experiential internship opportunity prepares future graduates for excellence in social work services and professionalism.

There is a 10-hour mandatory orientation the week prior to each semester. This takes placed 9:00 am – 3:00 pm on Wednesday and Thursday before the first day of the semester. A regular weekly work schedule will be made for each intern, accommodating regular job schedules and classes.  Supervision is on Fridays from 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, which is a required for all interns.  All students are trained in evidenced-based services, engagement, trauma-informed care, and motivational interviewing.

Field placement students will be able to participate in a variety of direct service and administrative tasks:

Advanced – Graduate CAP students will work closely with the Research Associate and Center Coordinator to assist with on-going program development, evaluation and research. A CAP placement provides opportunities to complete research for grant preparation, assist with grant proposal writing, develop program planning and implementation, be involved with interagency collaboration, attendance at community coalition and community networking meetings, report preparation, and assistance with other program administrative activities.

Advanced – Graduate Direct Practice student opportunities include completing psychosocial histories and assessments; developing individualized service plans and implementing the interventions identified; and conducting clinical case management utilizing Motivational Interviewing.

Direct Practice in Children and Families may also facilitate psycho-educational parenting-in-recovery groups; facilitate interactive educational groups for at-risk youth and caregivers; conduct home visits; assess family functioning; conduct outreach to pregnant women using opioids; and provide intervention services to high-risk pregnant women, including women using drugs or alcohol.

Direct Practice in Mental Health and Substance Abuse may also facilitate psycho-educational parenting-in-recovery groups; facilitate suicide prevention groups; conduct mental health and substance abuse screenings and diagnosis; provide individual, group, or family therapy; facilitate CBT-trauma informed psycho-educational groups for individuals who have experienced a traumatic event. There is also opportunity to observe EMDR sessions.

Foundation intern opportunities include all of the opportunities for BSW interns as well as delivering an evidenced-based parenting in recovery curriculum during home visits, completing intakes and working with a high-risk population.

 

Undergraduate intern opportunities include facilitating groups and working with individuals.  Assignments may include facilitating groups with an evidenced-based curriculum to youth;  presentations about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs to at-risk children and youth in schools and community centers; participating in home visits to clients, leading developmental activities with younger children of recovering parents; learning and implementing engagement skills and motivational interviewing techniques; and proving community education on alcohol, tobacco and other drugs; facilitating alternative activities that help reinforce an evidenced-based curriculum; outreach to pregnant women with risk factors; providing infant care instruction; facilitating activities for a Mom’s Club;  and performing case management utilizing Motivational Interviewing with clients assigned. Standardized measures will be administered and evidenced-based prevention programs will be delivered. A macro project will be included with the internship, based on the intern’s interests. Students may be assigned special projects.

Special Considerations

Interns are required to attend mandatory orientation sessions the Wednesday and Thursday prior to the first day of the semester. Students need to be prepared to pass a criminal background check and drug screen. It is possible for someone with a positive criminal history to work in some areas, but CARS needs to be informed of any criminal record during the interview process.

Students will work at the CARS office, located at 6363 Forest Park Road, Bass Level A226. Regular office hours are Monday and Wednesday 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM; Tuesday and Thursday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM; Friday 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM Friday; and every-other Saturday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. There may be other special events at other hours.  Students need to arrange for personal transportation to and from work, and some other duties such as home visits, case management services, services in the schools and community, and outreach services. Reimbursement for work-related local travel is available. Parking is available at no charge.

All students must be available for supervision on Friday mornings and must be able to work a consistent schedule throughout the semester because you will have regular appointments and groups to facilitate.  Second semester or Block interns work their schedule until the last class day of the semester; 1st Semester interns work their schedule until the last day available to earn field hours.