Autism Day Treatment Internship

About the role

St David's Developmental & Therapeutic Services offers a disciplinary, relationship-based, developmental approach to therapy. Our program serves children aged 2 – 6 years old, with treatment rooms accommodating up to 6 children. Morning rooms typically house younger children who may be newly diagnosed or have lower skill sets, while afternoon rooms cater to those who have graduated from a morning room or have higher skills.

Responsibilities

• Staffing each room with a Treatment Team consisting of two paraprofessionals and one intern.
• Overseeing each room through a mental health professional and a program supervisor who conduct assessments, create treatment plans and goals, coordinate the team, and provide supervision.
• Mental health practitioners plan and facilitate daily therapeutic activities, model interventions, handle scheduling, and provide in-home support to families.
• Speech and occupational therapists work with clients for 4 days a week, each client receiving 1 hour of therapy per day, with their own treatment plans and goals.
• Interns learn behavioral interventions and strategies by observation and modeling from experienced staff, leading activities by the end of their internship, and developing clinical documentation skills.
• Offering opportunities for family support in various settings, including the home, community, and St. David’s Center.

Requirements

• Undergraduate requirements: 3-month or 9-month internships available, 20 hours/week, 3 days/week in classroom, extra time for paperwork, supervision, and family sessions.
• Graduate requirements: Specific hours or days, minimum 3 days per week, 7:30 – 12:30 for AM shift; 11:30 – 4:30 for PM shift, 15 hours/week in day treatment room, 5 hours/week in in-home family skills or psychotherapy, clinical paperwork, assessment observation, treatment planning time, other tasks assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

• Education: Counseling, Psychology, Human Services, Social Work, Marriage, and Family Therapy.
• Internship commitment: 9-12 months duration, dates approximate, Fall – September 1st – May 31st, Spring – January 1s August, Summer – May 1st – January 31st, MSW Summer Block – Late May - August.

Skills

• Ability to work with children aged 2 – 6 years old.
• Experience with a disciplinary, relationship-based, developmental approach to therapy.
• Knowledge of sensory processing, communication, and social skills development.
• Proficiency in clinical documentation and family support.

Benefits

• Inclusive and diverse workplace environment.
• Employee wellness programs.
• Professional development opportunities for employees and clients.
• Flexible work schedules and mission-inspired work.

Pay

Unpaid

Schedule

• Sensory Prep: Brief intervals throughout the day.
• Music: Provided daily by mental health practitioners.
• Snack/Lunch: Sitting at a table, impulse control, sharing space, communicating wants, and feeding issues.
• Gym/Playground: A sensory break, relaxation time, and functional play skills with outdoor equipment and peers.
• Mental Health Therapy: Targeted activities for specific treatment goals in a structured setting.
• Rehab Therapy: Led by speech and OT, focusing on speech/language development, fine and gross motor skills, and sensory processing.
• Notes/Group Processing: Reflecting on the child’s behavior and self-reflection.

Other requirements

• No car required.
• No stipend available.
• Background checks required.