Program Information The Del Norte County Department of Health and Human Services, Behavioral Health Branch offers MSW students a range of professional learning opportunities within a public behavioral health system that provides outpatient mental health services, substance use disorder treatment, crisis intervention, prevention programs, housing support services, and care coordination. Students will gain experience working in a multidisciplinary environment alongside licensed clinicians, case managers, peer support specialists and community partners. Under supervision, students may participate in psychosocial assessments, service planning, case management, crisis response support, and coordination of care with hospitals, schools, law enforcement, and other community-based organizations. Through their practicum, students will have the opportunity to work with diverse populations including individuals experiencing serious mental illness, substance use disorders, homelessness, and youth and families in need of prevention and early intervention services. Students will also gain exposure to interdisciplinary team meetings, community collaboration, and behavioral health program operations within a county system. This experience supports the development of professional competencies in assessment, engagement, ethical practice, trauma-informed care, culturally responsive services, documentation, and collaboration across complex service systems. In regards to learning opportunities provided by the Social Services Branch, students will gain experience working in diverse social work settings such as Child Welfare, Adult Protective Services, Resource Family Approval and Wraparound services. Students will learn and participant in child safety assessments, Child Family Team meetings, client interviews, case plan assessments, provide referrals to necessary services, and ongoing collaboration with tribal agencies.