Internships at Communities In Schools of Central Texas

Welcome!  Communities In Schools of Central Texas is committed to providing our interns with learning opportunities to build skills that are trauma-informed, evidence-based, culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate.  Learning objectives include:

  • Receiving an orientation to the agency’s core mission, values and program model.
  • Developing skills to work in partnership with individual students assessing strengths, areas for growth and creating strategies to reach agreed upon goals.
  • Developing group facilitation skills that promote skills development and promote peer support.
  • Gaining experience in navigating school systems and leveraging community resources to meet student’s and the school community’s needs.

All clinical/direct service internships are campus-based and in-person.

Currently, we offer internship opportunities during the school year months (August-May). School holidays and school hours may vary from district to district but are typically Monday-Friday, Elementary: 7:40-3:10; Middle: 8:20-4; High school 9-4:30.

Types of Opportunities for undergraduate and graduate level interns 

  • Undergraduate Social Work and other related fields, requiring at least 240 hours per semester:
  • Practices in social-emotional learning, resilience development, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, de-escalation skills and/or trauma informed care
  • Case management services an include individual psychosocial assessment, development and implementation of an individualized service plan, evaluation of student progress, and the reassessment of services as needed
  • Graduate level Social Work and Counseling, requiring at least 240 hours per semester:
  • Practices in social-emotional learning, resilience development, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, de-escalation skills and/or trauma informed care
  • Case management services an include individual psychosocial assessment, development and implementation of an individualized service plan, evaluation of student progress, and the reassessment of services as needed
  • Utilizing therapeutic techniques and theories such as play therapy, art therapy, mindfulness activities and solution-focused therapy

We may be able to host interns who are requesting a practicum that requires 150-200 hours per semester, but these are limited and vary in availability, semester to semester. Training and tasks will vary based on agency requirements and the individual intern needs.

Our commitment to CIS Interns 

  • Weekly supervision with your campus-based supervisor and/or off-site CIS clinical supervisor
  • Access to learning about the organization and speaking to CIS leadership
  • Support for Evaluations and Process Recordings
  • Participate in professional development to provide a high-quality learning opportunity using best practices
  • Relevant learning opportunities to develop skills working with individuals and groups within a school setting

Intern Expectations

  • Commitment to learning in order to best serve students in CIS
  • Be active partners in your learning
  • Professional demeanor and etiquette
  • Consistent communication with your supervisor
  • Comply with agency policies and procedures

The students and field instructor count on you so consistent attendance and punctuality are extremely important.

Application and Placement 

To apply for a clinical/direct service internship, please complete the Internship Application and send the application and your resume to internships@ciscentraltexas.org.

Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis with the deadline to apply for a Fall Internship on August 15th, and the deadline for a Spring Internship on December 1st.

Placement: If approved as an on-campus intern, you may be given instructions for an interview with a Program Manager for placement at one of our campuses throughout Central Texas at the elementary, middle, or high school level. Some placements are assigned between the university and the program manager.  The program manager may still request an interview, so please plan to meet with the program manager to discuss the potential placement.

Following this campus interview, you will receive further instructions regarding additional requirements including:

  • fingerprint criminal background check (instructions issued from CIS)
  • information session
  • trainings 

Please note: A completed and passed fingerprint criminal background check is required before any intern can begin working with students. 

Stipend Opportunity

 

If successfully placed as an intern, you may qualify to serve as an AmeriCorps (AMC) member and earn the Segal Education Award to use towards your educational costs. 

Check out this AmeriCorps Flyer or e-mail americorps@ciscentraltexas.org for more information.