Child and Adolescent Group Services (CAGS) Intern

Qualifications

Education: Minimum Bachelor’s Degree required. May be enrolled as a first or second‑year student in a Master’s program in Social Work, Counseling, or Marriage & Family Therapy.

Licensure: SWT, CT or LSW required.

• Core Expertise: Demonstrate strong clinical skills including training and/or classroom experience expertise in therapy, crisis intervention, education, behavioral interventions, and substance‑abuse therapy.
• Independent Judgment: Perform job responsibilities with a high degree of initiative and independent judgment.
• Cultural Competency: Awareness, sensitivity, and skills in working professionally with diverse individuals, groups, and communities.
• Interpersonal Communication: Communicate clearly using verbal, nonverbal, and written skills; use professional language.
• Professional & Ethical Conduct: Adhere to values such as honesty, personal responsibility, and accountability; apply ethical concepts within scope of work and follow agency policies.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Function effectively as a member of a professional team that includes employees, clients, and family members.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making: Recognize problems, gather information, identify root causes, and make timely decisions.
• Technical Proficiency: Competent in utilizing agency computer systems and software required for intern duties.
• Experience: Experience working with children, adolescents, and their families.
• Other: Must have reliable transportation and be open to working a flexible schedule.

Job Summary

Under the administrative/clinical supervision of the Director/Field Instructor, the CAGS Intern provides clinical care, safety, and training to clients in a community‑based partial hospitalization setting. Working alongside a multi‑disciplinary team of clinicians and specialists, the intern helps develop, implement, and manage specialized treatment plans for clients year‑round.

Essential Duties

• Develop and update treatment plans for designated clients in collaboration with licensed staff (Second‑year/advanced standing only).
• Maintain daily progress notes for therapeutic service hours delivered and share them with other staff.
• Complete summary reports when a client ends participation in CAGS (discharge, transfer, or closing summary) in collaboration with licensed staff (Second‑year/advanced standing only).
• Conduct assessments (psychiatric diagnostic evaluation, mental status exam, CSSRS, diagnosis, etc.) on an as‑needed basis for new clients (Second‑year/advanced standing only).
• Ensure client outcome tools and screeners are completed at the appropriate frequency as outlined in the treatment plan or when clinically indicated.
• Report all incidents and submit related documentation the same day to the CAGS Clinical Supervisor.
• Provide direct care and services to groups of clients.
• Facilitate therapeutic behavioral services within treatment‑plan meetings and progress updates with guardians and other treatment providers.
• Administer therapeutic group clinical services to youth on various clinical topics, following curriculum based on individual client needs.
• Lead and co‑plan therapeutic groups and individual client interventions within CAGS.
• Supervise client activities and ensure the safety and whereabouts of clients during CAGS time.
• Protect clients from physical and emotional harm using the Therapeutic Crisis Model of Intervention, including physical restraints when necessary for safety.
• Assist in crisis intervention, problem resolution, and process discussions with clients as assigned or needed.
• Follow the planned curriculum and document any changes from the clinical plan for clients.
• Participate cooperatively and flexibly in occasional client transportation to and from the CAGS program.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of the clinical record through timely completion of documentation in accordance with licensing and accreditation standards.
• Attend to staffing needs as necessary for youth and families.
• Provide other services necessary to enrich the internship environment.