ROUTINE RESPONSIBILITIES
Handling hotline crisis calls, intake and discharge procedures, design and implement groups (if desired), health care accompaniment/transporting, options counseling and recreation planning, and staff meetings.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Completing the necessary program paperwork, participating in quality assurance activities, and the opportunity to attend community collaboration meetings with a counselor or Program Director.

SUMMARY
This internship will begin with an organized training period and will increase to independent work status. Other programs of Family Services of Blair County will provide an opportunity to learn about diverse populations, family styles and other family living issues. It is expected that the intern will be challenged to examine his or her own attitudes, beliefs and values that influence the counseling process.

From the program's perspective, an internship provides the opportunity to raise the awareness level of individuals who will someday be working with populations that experience homelessness, runaway youth and other types of family violence. The hope is that they will become supportive and understanding of issues that youth must face on a daily basis.

The students will become aware of the agency and other community providers. In regards to Family Services and the Youth Program, they will learn about organizational structure, missions, personnel practices and issues that impact the agency and youth. They will get to know about legal and social issues that impact youth.

The target population they will be working with will primarily be youth aged 12 to 18. Occasionally, on the hotline they will have the opportunity to speak with family members or friends of youth. At times, system workers may call seeking information on how they may better assist runaway or homeless youth.

During this process, the students will have the opportunity to practice and think critically about diversity issues and to examine personal issues and to learn how to resolve conflicts that are consistent with the values and ethics they are learning while in college.

Direct practice will include preparation and engagement skills, working skills and termination skills. They will learn much about the Systems Perspective and Cognitive-Behavioral Perspective while working with individuals and families.

Supervision will be informal and formal with the Program Director, Shelter Supervisor and other direct service workers. Many informal staff discussions are held daily in regards as to how to best help the individual or family. Formal meetings are held weekly in order to keep workers abreast of program updates, scheduling, client file reviews, etc.

For more information contact the Director of Youth Programs at 814-944-3583