Sonoma County Office of Education, Department of Behavioral Health Services

Interns have the opportunity to provide inclusive, culturally responsive school-based mental health and wellness services to K-12 students in diverse urban and rural settings. Interns have the unique opportunity to learn the core responsibilities of a school-based social worker, or counselor, through intervening at all levels of the MTSS framework at the site level, and building an understanding of a county office of education. With ongoing exposure to fires, floods, and COVID19, along with difficulties related to social/emotional, home and community challenges, students’ educational outcomes are frequently compromised. Underlying emotional distress often manifests at school in declining attendance, poor academic achievement, increased disciplinary action. Interns build safe, trusting relationships with students, families, and school communities. In groups, or individually, Interns provide counseling support that helps students process, cope and find relief from underlying distress. Interns build community by cultivating positive relationships with school staff, district personnel, and outside agencies, as well as initiating, or participating in, positive climate interventions like community circles, clubs and social-emotional learning.