This is an unpaid internship. We are seeking a motivated Intern-School Based Step-Up Counselor to provide therapy, community support, and case management to clients using a variety of evidenced informed interventions that focus on targeted behavior, emotional and social skills building, academic support, and linkage to concrete community resources and services.

• August 2026- July 2027
• 3-4 days per week
• Pass criminal and CANTS (DCFS) background check
• Obtain and maintain certification in IM CANs required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide individual and family therapy, community support, case management and potentially, therapy groups with a trauma-based focused lens.
• Work with children and adolescents ages four (4) to twenty-one (21).
• Assess clients for risk of harm and make appropriate referrals to more intensive services.
• Participate as a member of the behavioral health team in assigned CPS schools and track referrals that are made.
• Consult with school personnel, parent/guardian, and outside providers regarding students’ progress in treatment and needs.

Learning Opportunities:

• Develop Clinical Assessment & Intervention Skills.
• Experience real world application of Case Management & Community Support Coordination with schools, caregivers, and external providers to support student stabilization and progress.
• Build professional skills in Consult and collaborate as a member of a school-based behavioral health team within CPS or similar school settings.
• Develop professional skills in ethical clinical documentation; and adherence to mandated reporting laws, and professional boundaries.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and in MA or MSW graduate program.
• Ability to act safely and appropriately with clients in the community required.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain collaborative community partnerships preferred.
• Ability to communicate in a clear, comprehensible manner, both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent organization, presentation, and pc/computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) along with other related software.