Our Graduate Internship
Overview
The Social Enrichment Center (SEC), located in Media, Delaware County, offers a unique opportunity for graduate students to gain hands-on clinical experience in the fields of mental health counseling or social work. Our internship program is designed for students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field and are in pursuit of a graduate degree in clinical psychology, mental health counseling/clinical mental health counseling, or social work/clinical social work. At SEC, we support primarily neurodivergent clients aged 2-21+ with diagnoses including Autism, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, depression, and more. Our programming incorporates individual and group social skills, life skills, counseling, occupational therapy and speech therapy, as well as play and recreational activities. As a graduate intern, you will become engaged in both direct clinical work and relevant administrative tasks.
This is an in-person, multidisciplinary experience providing the ability to lead individual or group sessions as well as observe or assist in all areas of SEC. Graduate interns are expected to have foundational knowledge of mental health care and primarily work independently with personalized support from licensed staff during supervision. Financial compensation is not provided at this time, though we do partner with colleges and universities to offer course credit or clinical hours for licensure. Please speak with your school’s internship supervisor to confirm your specific requirements for graduation and/or licensure.
Graduate students seeking careers in any of the following fields will benefit from this experience: Clinical Psychology, Social Work/Clinical Social Work, Mental Health Counseling/Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Those who are accepted into our graduate internship are typically in pursuit of licensure as a Social Worker, Clinical Social Worker, Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.
Opportunities will include:
Direct client hours and an individual caseload (overseen by an SEC supervisor)
Personal weekly supervision from a licensed therapist
Involvement in additional weekly staff supervision
Support with lesson planning for individual and/or group sessions
Learning and practicing safe and dignified crisis management and de-escalation protocols
Honing clinical note-taking/progress monitoring skills and other clinical documentation skills while honoring client confidentiality
Managing communication with outside organizations, such as schools and additional therapy services
Participation in parent consultations to review client progress
Collaboration and consultation with ancillary staff
Opportunities to observe or shadow staff in related fields
Qualified applicants will have the following education, experience, and qualities:
Have attained a Bachelor’s degree in the field of psychology, social work, special education, or other related fields.
In pursuit of a graduate degree in the field of Clinical Psychology, Social Work/Clinical Social Work, or Mental Health Counseling/Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Knowledge of the mental health field, including human development, psychopathology, neurodiversity, trauma, confidentiality, mandated reporting laws, ethical boundaries, etc.
Previous experience working with children, adolescents, and/or young adults in various capacities including school, clinical, or community settings; experience working with neurodivergent populations highly preferred
Exposure to client documentation or clinical note-taking
Ability to lead, set boundaries, and be firm when necessary
Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in stressful situations
Ability to self-advocate and accept feedback
STRONG WORK ETHIC including but not limited to punctuality, professionalism, reliability, ethical decision making, initiative, adaptability, communication, teamwork, self-awareness, and presentation. Interns who demonstrate poor work ethic will be terminated!
Up-to-date clearances including child abuse, FBI and criminal background checks, and mandated reporter training (if accepted, the Internship and Volunteer Coordinator will assist interns in obtaining these clearances)
Scheduling
We ask for an 8-10 hour/week commitment to gain a truly meaningful experience. We offer flexible scheduling and we will do our best to accommodate your current class schedule. Fall, spring, and summer semester opportunities are available.
Clinical Hours for Licensure and School Credit
While your SEC supervisor may be in contact with your school’s internship supervisor to confirm internship placement, it is the responsibility of the graduate intern to ensure they are receiving the correct number of clinical hours and confirm that any obtained clinical hours count toward licensure or school credit. Necessary communication between your SEC supervisor and your school’s internship supervisor should be facilitated by the graduate intern and your school's internship advisor or a liaison.
Graduate Internship Application Process
Applications are always open and accepted on a rolling basis. Graduate positions are limited and competitive. To best ensure your acceptance, contact our Internship and Volunteer Coordinator as far in advance of school deadlines as possible.
Submitting an Application
To apply for our graduate internship, email Shea O’Brien, our Internship and Volunteer Coordinator, at shea@socialenrichmentcenter.com with the email subject titled “Graduate Internship Application.” In the email please include the following information:
Your first and last name
The graduate degree and/or licensure you are in pursuit of
The school you are attending and your class standing (entering the program, first year, second year, etc.)
An updated resume
A cover letter detailing your experience, your goals as a clinician, and why you would be a good fit for our program
Preliminary Interview
If your application is selected by our Internship and Volunteer Coordinator, you will be invited to interview virtually or in-person at the SEC.
Secondary Interview
If our Internship and Volunteer Coordinator decides to move forward with your application, you will be invited to a secondary in-person interview with a licensed therapist (LSW, LCSW, or LPC) to determine best fit in our program.
Clearances
If you are chosen as a graduate intern, you will be required to obtain mandatory clearances. The Internship and Volunteer Coordinator will assist in acquiring the necessary state and federal clearances.
How Do I Apply?
Our application will require some basic information about yourself and your studies, your resume, and a cover letter.
Internship & Volunteer Coordinator Contact:
shea@socialenrichmentcenter.com
Former Intern Testimonials
"My experience at SEC has been more than I could have ever hoped for. I am truly gaining hands-on experience and has provided me with an abundance of knowledge and technique that I would not have received without this internship. Staff is open and willing to assist in learning, critical thinking, and provide feedback to interns. They are open to answering any and all questions and are rooting for your success."
- Shannon R.
“Working at the SEC has been a wonderful opportunity for me. I was looking for a place to gain some hands-on clinical experience, and I don’t think I could have lucked into a better situation. The staff have made me feel welcome and valued, and prioritize the experience I’m looking for from the internship. I feel myself growing and learning each week I spend here. I’m grateful to have found such a great fit and would definitely recommend the SEC to anyone wanting clinical experience with children and adolescents.”
- Ethan A.
"Interning at the Social Enrichment Center was an amazing experience. I was able to learn so much more about all the different fields and branches of psychology, which allowed me to feel more secure about my future in psychology and counseling as well. Overall, I would highly recommend interning here."
- Saukora C.
