Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance (PVPSA) is a nonprofit agency dedicated to providing education, training, counseling, and prevention services to students, families and staff in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District.
By helping prevent criminal behavior, gang involvement, truancy, and drug, alcohol, and tobacco use, PVPSA improves the quality of life in our community and its schools.
To support education by providing mental health support to students and their families.
Program Information See below for Social Work Opportunity
Public Health Fall 2022 Youth Leadership Development Internship
We have a youth group involved in civic engagement, policy advocacy and policy development . The role of this intern will be to serve as mentor for youth and support them with the policy they are trying to implement in PVUSD school district of implementing more restorative policies when youth are caught with substances . Activities will include research of current policies and interpretation to them to present to youth. Other activity include supporting the youth with campaign development for their restorative policy, data collection/analysis and outreach activities .
(not available) Substance Use Intervention Internship
PVPSA provides substance abuse group and individual services to middle school and high school students in the Santa Cruz County area. PVPSA is recruiting for undergraduate students interested in learning about the field of adolescent substance abuse. You will be exposed to modalities such as group, individual and case management as well as harm reduction, case management, SMART and SBRIT.
A substance abuse counselor is a support system for people with drug and alcohol problems, eating disorders and other behavioral issues. They teach individuals how to modify their behavior with the intention of full recovery. Because clients are susceptible to relapses, many substance abuse counselors work with clients on an on-going basis. As part of the practicum experience you will be exposed to our Electronic Health Care record system Avatar, trainings in the area of substance use disorder treatment and utilize group and individual supervision to work on developing your counseling skills.
Other duties include:
Meeting with clients to evaluate their health and substance problem
Identifying issues and create goals and treatment plans
Teaching clients coping mechanisms
Leading group therapy sessions
Referring clients to support groups
Setting up aftercare plans
Meeting with family members and provide guidance and support
PVPSA works with students during the academic year and provides services during winter and summer breaks as well.
We are looking for undergraduate and graduate level students in the areas of addiction studies, psychology, sociology, human services, social work at community colleges, UC and CSU interested in obtaining their practicum hours. We can also provide supervision for students working towards obtaining CCAPP, CAADE, CADTP certification
(Not available) School-Based Counseling Internship
General Description of what students will be doing at this Site: Provide school-based counseling and case management to students in Pajaro Valley Unified School District K-12
Key Responsibilities: - Conduct assessments and counseling services to referred children, adolescents and their families in school settings - Develop interventions aimed at reducing negative symptoms - Facilitate group meetings, family meetings and individual sessions that enhance behavioral stability for clients. - Participate in staff meetings, in-service training, supervision and workshops - Participate as a team member in case management meetings
Desired Intern Characteristics: Basic knowledge of clinical assessments and interventions, as well as community resources. Empathetic Passion for working with children and youth.
Special Considerations: Spanish speaking is highly desirable