Practicum Agency Search
Shining Light in Darkness
Program: Counseling Services
URL: https://www.shininglightindarkness.org/
Contact Person: Whitney Gatling
MSW Supervisor: Ezza Anees
Address: 3500 Westgate Drive SUite 504
Phone: 910-212-4441
Fax: 844-965-9504
Email: ezza@slidfnd.org
Level: MSW Advanced Yr
Agency Auspices: Private, Non-Profit
Age Groups: Elementary, Adolescent, Young Adult, Adult, Older Adult
Setting: Micro/macro combination
Transportation: Car Not Needed
Work Hours: flexible
Disabilities: No
Screening Required: Criminal Check
Other Screenings Required:
Number of Students: 3
Fields of Practice: Advocacy, Families, Mental Health/Illness, Women
Other Fields of Practice:
Major Functions: Advocacy, Assessment, Case Management, Client Empowerment, Community Education, Community Outreach, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Documentation, Evaluation/Research, Family Services, Individual Counseling, Information/referral, Intake, Prevention/Education, Referrals, Treatment planning
Other Functions:
Tasks/Assignments for intern: 1. Client Interaction and Counseling
- Client Assessments: Students will learn to conduct trauma-informed assessments, identifying the needs of survivors and collaborating with clients to develop individualized care plans.
- Emotional Support and Counseling: Students will have the opportunity to provide direct counseling services to low-need survivors under supervision. This will include offering emotional support, validating survivor experiences, and working within established therapeutic frameworks.
- Case Conceptualization: Students will engage in case conceptualization, treatment planning, and progress monitoring, applying theoretical knowledge to the practical needs of clients.
2. Trauma-Informed Care and Crisis Intervention
- Trauma-Informed Practice: Students will gain experience in trauma-informed care by applying knowledge of trauma symptoms, triggers, and recovery processes to their work with survivors.
- Crisis Intervention: While students will primarily work with low-need survivors, they will be trained in crisis prevention and early identification of crisis escalation. This will include learning safety planning strategies and making referrals for high-need cases.
3. Case Management and Resource Navigation
- Case Management: Students will assist clients in navigating the complex social service system, helping them connect with housing, legal support, healthcare, and financial resources.
- Resource Coordination: Interns will work closely with other agencies, facilitating connections to community resources and building skills in advocacy and inter-agency collaboration.
4. Advocacy and Legal Support
- Client Empowerment: Through these activities, students will learn how to empower survivors by helping them regain control of their lives and access needed legal and social supports.
5. Group Work and Educational Outreach
- Group Facilitation: Interns may have the opportunity to co-facilitate or observe support groups, focusing on specific survivor needs such as rebuilding self-esteem, managing trauma symptoms, or re-entering the workforce for example.
- Educational Workshops: Students will assist in community outreach and educational workshops aimed at prevention, awareness, and helping survivors develop life skills.
6. Supervision and Professional Development
- Weekly Supervision: Students will receive regular one-on-one or group supervision with a licensed clinician. Supervision will focus on clinical skill development, ethical considerations, and reflective practice.
- Case Consultation: Students will participate in group supervision sessions, where they will present cases, receive feedback, and engage in collaborative problem-solving.
- Professional Growth: Opportunities for self-reflection and professional development will be provided throughout the placement, including discussions on vicarious trauma, self-care, and ethical challenges in trauma work.
Ideal student description: Passion for Trauma-Informed Care: Interested in working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, with a focus on trauma recovery and advocacy.
Compassionate and Empathetic: Demonstrates genuine empathy, compassion, and a non-judgmental approach toward vulnerable populations.
Emotionally Mature: Prepared to handle the emotional challenges of trauma work and engage in self-reflection and supervision for personal and professional growth.
Strong Communication Skills: Able to build rapport and trust with clients while maintaining professional boundaries. Communicates effectively with clients, supervisors, and community partners.
Culturally Competent: Comfortable working with diverse individuals from various cultural, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds, and demonstrates respect for differences.
Willingness to Learn: Has a basic understanding of trauma-informed care and is eager to deepen their knowledge through training and supervision.
Relevant Academic Background: Ideally, has coursework or experience in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field, though a strong desire to learn is equally valued.
Organized and Detail-Oriented: Capable of managing documentation, case management, and coordinating client resources efficiently. Strong organizational skills are essential.
Proficient in Basic Technology: Comfortable with case management software and basic technology tools for documentation and resource management.
Proactive and Self-Motivated: Shows initiative, curiosity, and a desire to take on different responsibilities, such as client interaction, support group facilitation, and community outreach.
Committed to Self-Care: Recognizes the importance of self-care while engaging in emotionally challenging work and is open to personal growth and professional development.
Pay/stipend offered?: No