Clinical Intern

Description

General Purpose

The Clinical Intern participates in a learning process of conducting individual and group therapy with a focus on completing diagnostic assessments and treatment plans, therapeutic sessions and education to treat mental illness.

To perform this job successfully, and individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Observes individual and group therapy, co-facilitation of family therapy sessions, and the multi-disciplinary treatment team.
• Participates in processes of required documentation. 
• Documents all patient contacts and other important clinical information
• Obtain clinical supervisor’s approvals and signatures for all clinical paperwork.
• Receives and participates in clinical supervision according to licensure board requirements.
• Monitors own schedule and maintains all corresponding notes and paperwork.
• Participates in job-related training sessions and seminars.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Job Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to use computer and standard business software.
• Knowledge of the effects of medical/psychiatric illnesses, procedures and treatments.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, understand, and comply with professional ethics and standards.
• Knowledge of community agencies/resources.
• Ability to advocate/negotiate systems for/with patients.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including negotiation skills necessary to work within a team.
• Cultural sensitivity and demonstrated competency in age specific behaviors.
• Ability to work in a busy, high-stress environment.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to interpret rules and regulations, and read and understand client records.
• Ability to work tactfully and effectively with all constituents.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports using correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Ability to maintain objectivity and confidentiality.

Education or Formal Training:

• Enrolled in Master’s program in related field.

Experience

• This is an unpaid internship program; intern is volunteering time in order to gain experience and to receive the benefits of supervision toward education/licensure. Number of clinical hours will vary depending on the requirements of each program and the clinical needs of agency.

Working Conditions and Other Conditions of Employment 

Working Environment: 

This job operates in a fast-paced, professional 24-hour-a-day environment. This position has high physical and mental requirements. It is highly interactive due to constant communication with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams. And emotionally intense due to the exposure to trauma, severe mental illness, and sometime aggressive behavior.  The position may require travel to conferences, meetings and branch locations on a regular or intermittent basis. Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises. In the health center environment, there is potential for contact with blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases, as well as potential for contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals. 

Physical Requirements:  

• 12-hour shifts  
• Must be able to lift 25lbs or more 
• Standing and walking for long periods of time during shifts 
• Responding to emergencies quickly (codes, behavioral crises) 
• Escorting or physically supporting patients when needed 
• Ability to safely move patients off the floor from a fallen position 
• Must be able to egress patients through exit doors safely 
• Must be able to physically maneuver yourself through doors that do not have automatic door opener 
• Be able to assist a client in ambulating on the unit or ability to push a patient in a wheelchair on unit or to hospital 
• Fine motor skills  
• Ability to remain calm under pressure 

Psychological and Mental Demands: 

• High emotional demand due to caring for patients with severe mental illness (schizophrenia bipolar, etc) 
• Exposure to suicidal ideation, self-harm, and trauma histories 
• Strong emotional resilience 
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries 
• Skill in therapeutic communication 
• Annual TB, federally required drug screening, and Influenza vaccination or compliance with policy and procedure.
• Required possession of a valid state driver's license.
• Successful candidate must submit to and pass, post-offer drug screen.

Note: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.