TELEPHONE NUMBER: 814-944-3583 extension 328
FAX NUMBER: 814-944-8701

NUMBER OF STUDENTS THAT CAN BE ACCOMODATED: The shelter is a 24-hour facility with staffing required 24 hours a day. Any style of work hours would be available for an intern. There is no limit on the number of students that may begin their work experience for the Project. Evening, weekend and night hours could also be discussed with the intern.

STUDY AREAS: Direct practice using learned counseling skills such as active listening, problem solving, and the opportunity to use crisis intervention. The Empowerment model of counseling is utilized when working with residents or on the hotline. Administration duties such as supervising the shelter and having the opportunity to facilitate or design groups will also be part of the experience.

STIPENDS: The program can pay a stipend of $25.00 for overnights and pays .45 cents per mile when transporting clients.

CONTINUING EDUCATION: When the opportunity arises, the Project will send interns to inservices or trainings offered by other agencies. The program will pay for attendance including meals and transportation to such events.

COMPUTER SYSTEM: There is a computer available for the students to use while working at the shelter with MS Word 95 and at the agency main offices a computer with MS Word 98 is available.

FIELD INSTRUCTOR STATUS: Marlene Mock, BSW, MA has been providing field supervision for interns from Penn State, University of Pittsburgh, Slippery Rock College, Saint Francis College and Mount Aloysius Junior College since 1986. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Saint Francis College in Loretto, PA and earned her Master's degree in Counseling from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

INTERNSHIP FAMILY SERVICES OF BLAIR COUNTY WITH DOMESTIC ABUSE PROJECT ADDRESS: 2022 Broad Avenue, Altoona PA 16601

TELEPHONE: 814-944-3583 extension 328

CONTACT: Rhonda Smith, Director

ORIENTATION PERIOD: 40 hours of domestic violence training and 15 hours of shadowing all program staff.

ROUTINE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Day-to-day, crisis oriented work geared to meet client needs.
• Handling crisis calls
• Intake & discharge assessment & including other duties at the shelter or offices
• May design special groups & facilitate such
• Court accompaniment with legal advocates & training for such (8 hours)
• Safety planning and assessment training & options counseling
• Attending a variety of community meetings with various staff in Altoona or other counties

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES/LIMITATIONS:

• When deemed capable, the intern will assume additional responsibilities. Clerical work will only be in regard to program client file work.
• Attendance at weekly staff meetings (formal & informal)
• Opportunity to visit other community provider agencies as appropriate.
• Work hours may vary and will take into program and intern needs. The shelter operates on a 24-hour basis allowing for great flexibility to meet internship hour requirements. The office hours are from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm including the Program From Abuse Office.
• Assisting with WOMEN AWARE support group for battered women that meets every Tuesday evening from 6pm to 8pm.

NOTE: Legal internships

• Hours will be Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm at the Blair County Courthouse.
• Occasionally, legal advocates may go to the shelter to assist a client in discussing a protection from abuse order or other legal concerns and/or options.